Fascist Italy- Forms of Propaganda and their effects
Newspapers
1923 law made sure that Prefects, who were
usually Fascist, made sure that papers contained
suitable content. Hostile Journalists could be
arrested.
Popular journalists were given Government grants.
State controlled what papers did and did not say –
for example, reporting crime, disasters and
unemployment was forbidden.
But Fascist party papers never had more than 10%
of the overall circulation.
Catholic Church still had an unchecked newspaper.
Journalists had to join a Fascist organisation.
Radio
Originally neglected, but soon Mussolini realised
its importance.
Two hours a day of official broadcasts, though this
increased in the 1930’s.
Mussolini’s speeches were broadcast live.
Few people had radios, but they were set up in
town squares and given to schools.
Good way of reaching the illiterate.
Cinema
Slow to realise potential again. LUCE created to
produce documentaries etc.
Before all films was a newsreel, local colour item,
and a happy story about animals/children (why
don’t we get those anymore?!).
1920’s – Italian cinema dominated by USA imports.
In 1934 the Gov intervened, more due to Autarky
than propaganda.
Restricted imports, but in 1938 ¾ of ticket sales
were still for Hollywood films!
Initially the Government valued the commercial
success over propaganda, e.g. escapist films, and
only in the late 1930’s did self-consciously Fascist
films appear.
Films offered the Italians a false sense of security
and pride.
Posters
Again reached illiterate.
Government had a monopoly on posters.
Rallies
Instilled a sense of belonging into viewers.
Showed state as a perfect machine as well as a
work of art.
Sport
Helped discipline, socialised people.
New stadiums (Roman architecture) were built.
Culture
Official Fascist art produced. Many artists
conformed to enhance their career.
Still considerable cultural diversity in art.
Exhibitions were held, and ancient-Rome style
buildings helped reinforce the idea of Mussolini as
an ancient Roman leader. Also demonstrated
stability of regime.
Literature and drama was left mainly alone, since it
did not reach the masses. Music also escaped
regimentation despite the Ministry of Pop. Culture
supposedly controlling it.
Mussolini wanted to develop a Philosophy of
Fascism. But Fascism had no text explaining its
nature!
Conclusion
Propaganda would have affected different groups
in different ways, and was only one factor helping
to sustain the regime. It still played a major part in
sustaining his regime, and helped to reinforce
support gained for other reasons. It can be seen as
unable to prevent discontent, though, and the
excesses of the *Cult of the Duce led to a decline
in Mussolini’s popularity. It can also be seen that
Mussolini, like Hitler, ended up believing his own
propaganda, and this led to the downfall of his
regime.