What Was the Purpose of the March on Rome?

By Alice Nichols

The March on Rome, which took place in October 1922, was a significant event in Italian history. Led by Benito Mussolini and his National Fascist Party (Partito Nazionale Fascista), the march aimed to seize power and establish a fascist government in Italy. This article explores the purpose of the March on Rome and its impact on Italian politics.

Background

Italy, after World War I, faced economic and political instability. The country was burdened with high inflation, unemployment, social unrest, and an ineffective parliamentary system. In this context, various political factions emerged seeking to address these issues.

One such faction was the National Fascist Party led by Benito Mussolini. The party advocated for an authoritarian regime that would unite the nation under strong leadership, restore order, and revive Italy’s greatness.

The Purpose

The primary purpose of the March on Rome was to pressure the King of Italy, Victor Emmanuel III, to appoint Mussolini as Prime Minister. The march itself served as a display of strength and determination by Mussolini’s supporters.

Mussolini aimed to:

  • Force the government to include Fascist ministers in key positions
  • Threaten a coup d’état if his demands were not met
  • Create an atmosphere of fear and instability that would lead the King to appoint him as Prime Minister

The Impact

The March on Rome had a profound impact on Italian politics:

1. Appointment of Mussolini as Prime Minister

The King, fearing civil war and influenced by conservative elites who believed they could control Mussolini’s party from within, decided to appoint Mussolini as Prime Minister. This decision marked the beginning of Fascist rule in Italy.

2. Consolidation of Power

Once in power, Mussolini swiftly consolidated his authority by suppressing political opponents and establishing a dictatorship. He dissolved rival political parties, suppressed labor unions, and curtailed civil liberties.

3. Fascist Regime

The March on Rome laid the foundation for the establishment of a fascist regime in Italy. Mussolini implemented policies aimed at transforming Italy into a totalitarian state with strict control over all aspects of society.

4. Influence on European Fascism

The March on Rome served as a model for other fascist movements across Europe. It inspired Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party in Germany, as well as other far-right groups that emerged during the interwar period.

Conclusion

The March on Rome was instrumental in bringing Benito Mussolini to power and establishing fascism in Italy. Its purpose was to pressure the King to appoint Mussolini as Prime Minister and it succeeded in achieving this goal. The march had far-reaching consequences, leading to the consolidation of power, the establishment of a fascist regime, and influencing other fascist movements across Europe.