Due to Fascism, Italy made progress in different spheres of life and became a powerful nation. With reference to the results of Fascism in Italy, explain the following:

(a) Reforms introduced in Italy to improve the economic condition of the people.

(b) Aggressive foreign policy under Mussolini.

(c) Negative impact of Fascism in Italy.

(a) Mussolini introduced various reforms to improve the economic condition of the people in Italy.

1. He took measures to stall further devaluation of the Italian currency.
2. A number of measures were undertaken to reduce unemployment.
3. All factories and mills were nationalised to improve the lot of workers.
4. Various syndicates were established to improve relations between the capitalists and the workers.
5. Mussolini started an impressive public works programme which included the building of roads, bridges, canals, railways, schools, hospitals, etc.

(b) Mussolini used to say, "Italy must expand or perish."

1. He regained the Islands of Rhodes, Dodecanese as well as the city of Fiume.
2. He turned Albania into a protectorate of Italy.
3. He entered into commercial and diplomatic treaties with France and Russia.
4. He captured Abyssinia in 1936 and when there was an objection in the League of Nations, Italy left the League of Nations.
5. After that, Italy's relations with England and France deteriorated and she was drawn towards Germany.

(c) Besides the positive impacts, there were many negative effects of Fascism in Italy.

1. All efforts were made to curb political freedom.
2. After gaining power, Mussolini became a dictator and took all the military and civil powers into his own hands.
3. All political parties except the Fascists were banned.
4. The system of Jury was abolished and special courts were set up where the Fascist civilian and military officers were empowered to decide political cases.
5. Press was censored.
6. The freedom of speech and organising meetings was also prohibited.
7. Mussolini crushed his opponents brutally.