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To what extent was foreign policy the main reason why the Fascists were able to stay in power, 1922–1939? - Scottish Highers History - Question 40 - 2023
Question 40
To what extent was foreign policy the main reason why the Fascists were able to stay in power, 1922–1939?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:To what extent was foreign policy the main reason why the Fascists were able to stay in power, 1922–1939? - Scottish Highers History - Question 40 - 2023
Step 1
Assessing the Importance of Foreign Policy
Answer
Foreign policy played a crucial role in the Fascists' stability in power from 1922 to 1939. One of the main aspects was how Mussolini leveraged international conflicts and alliances to bolster national pride and reinforce his regime's legitimacy. The invasion of Ethiopia in 1935 serves as a prominent example where Mussolini sought to demonstrate Italy's military power and assert its empire, drawing public support and engagement towards the Fascist party.
Additionally, Mussolini's attempts to align with other Fascist regimes, particularly Nazi Germany, influenced both regional stability and Fascist propaganda, often portraying Italy as a pivotal player on the global stage.
Step 2
Evaluating Other Factors
Answer
While foreign policy was significant, it is essential to evaluate other contributing factors. Domestic policies, such as the suppression of dissent through the use of the OVRA (the secret police), censorship of the press, and the introduction of corporatism, created an environment where opposition was minimal.
Moreover, economic factors, including the implementation of autarky policies and infrastructural projects, aimed to mitigate the effects of the Great Depression, also contributed to the Fascists’ ability to maintain power by fostering a semblance of stability and national pride.
Step 3
Conclusion
Answer
In conclusion, while foreign policy was a fundamental aspect of the Fascists' efforts to remain in power between 1922 and 1939, it should not be isolated from domestic repression and economic strategy. All these elements intertwined, suggesting that foreign policy was a main reason, but certainly not the sole reason for the Fascists' endurance in power.