Italian fascism: organization, enthusiasm, opinion

Abstract

In its newspaper accounts and in its documentary films of public demonstrations, the fascist regime attempted to paint a picture of enormous popular enthusiasm for the movement. Clearly a form of impression management, the picture was extremely important for the image of the regime both at home and abroad. This article examines the build up to, and the first months of, the Ethiopian war in 1935 and looks in particular at the immense national demonstration of 2 October 1935 and at the Giornata della fede of 18 December 1935, when women were invited to donate their wedding rings to the national cause. It argues that these events were far less spontaneous and much more organized than is sometimes thought and presents evidence to suggest that the patriotic call was not embraced with enthusiasm by all Italians, fascist supporters included. In conclusion the article posits the existence, as in other totalitarian regimes, of a very significant distinction and distance between formal and ritual observation of obligation to the regime and personal and private thoughts and actions.