Renaissance Princedom Mussolini

Renaissance Princedoms and Italian Fascism The Italian Peninsula has had many different governments throughout its history. During the Renaissance, one form of government that took place in city-states of the Italian Peninsula was a princedom. One strong supporter princedoms was Niccolo Machiavelli. He wrote a book, called “The Prince,” in which he outlined how he believed that princes should act when ruling a princedom. This form of government ended in the region when it became a united country during the 19th century. After World War One, a new form of government, called Fascism, was implemented in Italy under the control of Benito Mussolini. These governments show how the politics of the Italian Peninsula evolved over time. While many strategies

One of Mussolini’s main tools of manipulation was widespread propaganda. Mussolini used propaganda to obtain the support and loyalty of the Italian citizens and to advance his military campaigns. Some of the propaganda portrayed Mussolini as a strong leader, often having Mussolini “photographed bare chested or in a uniform and a steel helmet” (Perry, pg. 450). The propaganda also promoted loyalty and obedience, the restoration of the Roman Empire, and promoted war (Perry, pg. 450). Another way that Mussolini solidified his power was through gaining the support of the Catholic Church. He did this by making the Vatican City, the residency of the pope, an independent state, repealing laws that went against the Catholic Church, and adding mandatory religious lessons in schools (Perry, pg. 451). Mussolini also used war to try to gain power and take over new territories for Italy. He did this by invading Ethiopia, allying with Hitler, giving support to Francisco Franco, trying to invade Greece and North Africa, and joining World War Two (Ryan). These are the aspects of Italian Fascism under Benito

A book written by Niccolo Machiavelli, “The Prince,” described the ways in which Machiavelli believed that princedoms should be run. Many of his methods could be characterized by the use of deceit and ruthlessness to stay in power. One main point of Machiavelli’s was his rejection of Christianity and morals in politics. He believed that “politics has nothing to do with God’s intent or with moral precepts originating in a higher world” (Perry, 187). Machiavelli’s, “The Prince,” reflected this belief and in his book; he encouraged princes to do everything in their power to keep control. According to Machiavelli, “the prince may use any means to save the state when its survival is at stake” (Perry, pg. 186). All of his views on how a prince should govern went against the past beliefs that political power came from God. Machiavelli also extended these views to include ways to keep the citizens of a princedom satisfied and how to avoid invasion from other