Italy Under Fascism

In 1922 Mussolini seized control of the Italian government and established a dictatorship. Roman Catholicism was named the state religion. Labor unions were abolished, strikes were forbidden, and political opponents were silenced. Mussolini gave free rein to big business and reduced workers' wages. By 1930 the wages of Italian workers were the lowest in Western Europe. Despite the land hunger of the peasantry, Mussolini did nothing to divide the country's large estates.

Ignoring the increased poverty of the Italian people, Mussolini launched a campaign to increase the birth rate. Women were encouraged to bear as many babies as possible, and all education regarding birth control was banned. This campaign was intended to demonstrate national "virility" and provide future personnel for the Italian armed forces. By 1936 foreign conquest had become Mussolini's final solution to Italy's economic problems. The philosophy of Italian Fascism heralded military values and the virtues of war.