Exercise 4

Session 28

Interwar Authoritarianism: Italian Fascism

I. Conditions for interwar fascism

A. Misery

B. Red Scare

C. Resentment over the Paris treaties

D. Ruling class afraid of revolution

II. Characteristics of interwar authoritarianism

A. Reliance on mass media and mass spectacle

B. Critical of democratic powers

C. Strong executive powers.

D. Traditional gender culture and pro-natalism

III. Italian Fascism

A. Benito Mussolini

1. Veteran of World War I

2. Journalist

3. Socialist

B. 1919: The Fascist (from Roman “fasci”) Party

1. Black Shirts

C. 1922: Mussolini appointed Prime Minister

D. Effectively replaces Italian democracy with a police state

E. Corporate Economy

F. Cultural Control

G. Public projects

H. Cult of “II Duce”

1. Mussolini as the embodiment of all the people

2. The national “lover” for women

3. The defender of masculinity for men

I. Gender as metaphor for fascist aims

J. Pro-natalism

IV. Thomas Mann and Mario and the Magician (Exercise 4 notes)

• The row with the people on the beach

• The departure of most of the guests at the hotel

• Cipolla’s frequent departure from the stage to be with the audience

• Cipolla’s use of a whip

• The author’s inability to leave the performance

• His tricks with Senora and Senor Angolieri

• The role of Silvestra

• Mario’s kiss