• Mussolini's vision: A ‘totalitarian state’.
  • The phrase: "Everything in the state, nothing outside the state, nothing against the state."
• Alfredo Rocco's role
  • From 1925-1928, crafted laws that laid the foundation of the Fascist state.
  • Aim: Centralize everything under state control.
• What did this centralization look like?
  • Only Fascist unions existed.
  • The PNF (Fascist Party) became subservient to the state.
  • Media was under strict censorship and praised fascism.
  • Even recreational activities became state-directed.
• But, was it really a 'total' totalitarian state?
  • Not entirely!
    • Mussolini reached a compromise with the Church.
    • He allowed autonomy for industrialists.
    • Italy remained a monarchy (Mussolini could be dismissed by the King).
    • Less state-controlled compared to Hitler's Nazi Germany and Stalin's Soviet Union.

💡 Real-world example: Imagine a school where all students must wear a uniform and follow strict rules. But, if the principal allows exceptions for some top students and some teachers, is it still "uniform" for all?

• Harry R Kedward (1969): Mussolini’s regime had genuine popularity.
  • Strength of European Fascism: Ordinary people’s enthusiasm and belief.
• Renzo de Felice (1977)
  • Mussolini had significant popularity, especially between 1929-1936.
  • This support dwindled after the invasion of Greece during WW2.
• Nicholas Farrell (2004)
  • Agrees with Felice: many Italians actively supported Mussolini.
• RJB Bosworth (2006)
  • Opposing view - Support was limited; public displays of loyalty were forced by the state.