March on Rome

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Hallmark Event

The March on Rome (Marcia su Roma) was an organized mass demonstration with the objective of National Liberation in October 1922, which resulted in Benito Mussolini's National Fascist Party ascending to power in Italy. It can be considered the beginning of the Fascist regime in Italy.

Background

The background included the Communist Revolution in Russia and attempted Communist revolutions all over Europe, the mass killings under Communist regimes during the various Red Terrors, fears of a Communist revolution in Italy, violence between Communists and Fascists (particularly between strikers and Squadristi, also called in the Anglophone world "Blackshirts"), the weaknesses of Liberal governments, the economic crisi and other things.

Unfolding

Fascist organization

The fascists occupied strategic locales and organized the March on Rome. Prime Minister Luigi Facta ordered a state of siege for Rome, thus attempting to order the Italian Army to stop the marchers, who included many former Italian soldiers. King Victor Emmanuel III, however, refused to sign the order and Mussolini was appointed Prime Minister.

Consequences

The most direct consequence of the March on Rome was the fall of the Facta II government and the beginning of the Fascist Regime of Benito Mussolini.

International Reactions

International reactions to the March on Rome were mixed - mostly curiosity and surprise. Most Fascists, anti-Communists and Mussolini admirers approved of it, whereas most Liberal and Communist opponents reported it as a negative thing, though it was still seen mostly as a "strange occurence" rather than a true Revolution.

Within Fascist Symbology

The March on Rome was always a prominent part of Fascist symbology and mythology. Its anniversary was celebrated and later, during the Social Republic, it became a cornerstone of what to do:

Less, less! We were fewer during the March on Rome!
—Alessandro Pavolini, reacting to the number of adherents to the new PFR.