1.
Why did Liberal Italy never have the full support of the the population after unification?
(Select 3)
Correct Answer(s)
B. A limited Franchise
D. There was strong regionalism
E. Lack of support from the papacy
Explanation
* A limited Franchise - only 2% of the population could vote
* Strong regionalism - including division between the industrial north and rural south
* Lack of support from the papacy - most Italians saw the government as something that did not represent them and did little for them.
2.
The Seizure of Fiume was carried out by which nationalist and First World War hero?
Correct Answer
A. Gabrielle d'Annunzio
Explanation
Gabrielle d'Annunzio was the nationalist and First World War hero who led the seizure of Fiume. He was an Italian poet, playwright, and journalist who became a prominent figure in the Italian nationalist movement. In 1919, he and his supporters occupied the city of Fiume (now Rijeka, Croatia), which had been disputed between Italy and Yugoslavia after the war. This event, known as the Fiume Crisis, was a significant moment in Italian history and contributed to the rise of fascism in the country.
3.
What does Italia Irredenta mean?
Correct Answer
B. Unredeemed Italy
Explanation
Italia Irredenta (Unredeemed Italy) is from when Italy expected to recieve possession of Italian speaking parts of the Austro-Hungarian empire as well as territory from the Turkish Empire, colonies in Africa and payment of a war indemnity. The Paris Peace Conference did not award Italy the war gains expected, so the First World War became known as the 'mutilated victory'.
4.
Why was the government unstable after the 1919 election?
Correct Answer
A. The PSI and the PPI (two largest parties) shared a majority of the seats but refused to work together in government
Explanation
The government was unstable after the 1919 election because the two largest parties, PSI and PPI, had a majority of the seats but refused to collaborate in the government. This lack of cooperation between the parties made it difficult to form a stable and effective government, leading to instability.
5.
Bienno rosso: the two 'red years' of 1919-20, during which the threat of the trades union and socialist movements seemed likely to lead to a Russian-style revolution.
True or False?
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The given answer is true. The term "Bienno rosso" refers to the two "red years" of 1919-20 in Italy, during which there was a significant threat from trades union and socialist movements. These movements posed such a threat that it was believed that Italy could potentially face a revolution similar to the one that occurred in Russia. Therefore, the statement that the threat of trades union and socialist movements seemed likely to lead to a Russian-style revolution during the Bienno rosso is true.
6.
What two important moves did Mussolini make in November 1921?
Correct Answer(s)
B. Returned the policy of Squadre violence
C. United the movements (RAS) as a single party - the PNF.
Explanation
In November 1921, Mussolini made two important moves. First, he returned to the policy of Squadre violence, which involved the use of paramilitary squads to suppress opposition and maintain control. This move allowed Mussolini to intimidate and silence his opponents, consolidating his power. Second, he united the various movements, specifically the RAS, into a single party known as the PNF (National Fascist Party). This consolidation of different factions into one party strengthened Mussolini's position and provided a unified front for his fascist ideology.
7.
The March on Rome took place in ______ ____
Correct Answer(s)
October 1922
1922 October
Explanation
The March on Rome took place in October 1922 or 1922 October. This event was a key moment in Italian history when Benito Mussolini and his National Fascist Party marched on the capital city to demand power. The march was successful, and Mussolini was appointed Prime Minister shortly after. The specific date format (October 1922 or 1922 October) does not affect the accuracy of the answer.
8.
Luigi Facta was the last ______ _______ of Italy before Mussolini.
Correct Answer(s)
prime minister
Prime Minister
PM
Explanation
Luigi Facta was the last prime minister of Italy before Mussolini. The term "prime minister" refers to the head of government in a parliamentary system, and Facta held this position. The variations in capitalization ("Prime Minister") and abbreviation ("PM") all refer to the same role and are therefore correct answers.
9.
King Victor Emmanuel III backed down when he and Facta met to get martial law declared as he was afraid it would lead to a communist uprising in the south.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
He may have backed down because:
- he feared that the Duke of Aosta (his cousin) may lead a revolution to usurp him
- those at court and his family were sympathetic to Fascism
- Visited during the night by his army generals who advised that the armies loyalty was not guaranteed
- The prospect of civil was was not appealing
10.
Mussolini was able to achieve a one-party state by 1925 because:
Correct Answer(s)
A. It was endorsed by the King and parliament
C. Use of the MSVN
D. The murder of socialist deputy Matteotti
E. He was granted Emergency decree powers for 12 months
Explanation
MSVN - the Volunteer Militia for National Security
11.
The ____ law stated that the party that gained the largest share of the votes – provided they had gained at least 25 percent of the votes – gained two-thirds of the seats in parliament
Correct Answer(s)
Acerbo
acerbo
Explanation
The Acerbo law was proposed by Giacomo Acerbo and passed by the Italian Parliament in November 1923. The purpose of it was to give Mussolini's fascist party a majority of deputies.
12.
In January 1926 government by decree was legalised, then in Ocober 1926, a formal decree was passed that banned all other political parties.
True or False?
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
This was merely constitutional confirmation of a reality that had existed for nearly two years.