The Rise of Mass Parties, Liberal Italy, and the Fascist Dawn (1919–1924)

Not the history of the inevitable rise of fascism to power: rather, on the contrary, the story of a failed transition to democracy.

Goffredo Adinolfi (Author)

9781009564410, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 22 May 2025

94 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 0.6 cm, 0.277 kg

Through an in-depth study of the electoral process, the aim of this Element is to analyse the political transformations that occurred in Italy from 1919 to 1924. After the takeover of the low chamber by the mass integration parties in 1919 - Popular and Socialist - concerns grew within the liberal camp. The argument of this Element is that the conservatives failed to adapt and remain competitive in a system characterised by universal suffrage, thereby paving the way for the rise of the fascists. The electoral path to power begins with the political elections of 1921, continues through the renewal of the municipal councils in 1922–23, and concludes with the elections of 1924 when Mussolini managed to take control of the low chamber. The Duce assumed the role of head of the nation, presenting a list of candidates-the Listone-that included members of the Fascist Party and the former politica elite.

Introduction
1. The November 1919 Elections
2. Local Elections and the Bologna's Clash: The Rise of Paramilitary Influence
3. From the 1921 Elections to Mussolini as President
4. The 1924 Elections
Conclusions
References.

Subject Areas: 20th century history: c 1900 to c 2000 [HBLW]