Fascist Empire: Forging Italian Fascism through Imperialism and African Colonization: 1922-1936
HIST 4360, Europe Between the Wars, 1918-1939. CD: Deb Neill.
Abstract
In “Fascist Empire” the author explores how inter-war Italy used colonial pacification as a means to maintain its own popularity. Using Mussolini’s speeches, his Generals’ correspondence, and newspaper coverage of the time, the writer convincingly a complex thesis: Italy’s violent suppression of Libya, and its invasion and occupation of Ethiopian were used both to increase the dictator’s popularity, and as justification for a sort of Fascist exceptionalism from normal human morality. As one general of the time put it, “Fascist Italy need not imitate anyone; it operates according to its own right and conscience, and does what it believes is best to safeguard its needs and protect its dignity as a colonial power.” One suspects variations on this theme will increasingly circulate in the 21st century.
The paper is very well-researched and establishes its central premise using a variety of convincing primary and secondary sources to make its case. Particularly interesting, however, is the writer’s awareness of a mythic “Italiani brava gente (Italians are good people)” narrative in the study of this period. For much of the Post-war period, Italian governments and citizens have preferred a history where ordinary Italians did not support the Fascist regime, and where its internal and external violence are aberrations best left unexplored and unacknowledged. It is a particular strength of this paper to acknowledge that no demagogue reaches or retains power without popular support.
