\u201cThe Fascist State\u201d by Christopher Leeds describes the ways in which Mussolini and the Italian Fascist Party attempted to mold Italian society.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur whole way of eating, dressing, working and sleeping, in short all our everyday habits, must be changed” ((Christopher Leeds, \u201cThe Fascist State\u201d in Italy under Mussolini, London: Wayland Publishers, 52.)) .<\/p>\n
This passage is particularly important to the article because it highlights the depth in which the fascist government and Mussolini sought to modify Italian society and change individuals\u2019 behavior. However, as Leeds suggests they were not able to successfully do so. This was in part due to the fact that the regime lacked tangible policies to accomplish specific goals ((Christopher Leeds, \u201cThe Fascist State\u201d, 35.)) . This article challenged preexisting ideas I had about fascism in Italy and the impact it had on lives of individuals.
\nThe regime intervened on a wide array of themes within Italy\u2019s cultural sphere including sport, leisure behavior, and customs. Sports were of great importance and were used as a form of propaganda for the state, much like that of the Nazi Regime. All clubs, groups and societies were brought under control of the Fascist regime in an attempt to control the behavior, activities and thoughts of all citizens. Fascist leaders also thought it was necessary to modify traditional Italian customs that reflected or were introduced during times when Italy was occupied by France (Napoleon) and Spain ((Christopher Leeds, \u201cThe Fascist State\u201d, 52)). Despite attempts to control all aspects of the private sphere of individuals, the Italian population as a whole did not undergo a dramatic transformation. In fact, such government invasion of private life aggravated most Italians.
\nWhy do you think the behavior of Italians remained largely unaffected by the changes imposed by the State? How does Italy\u2019s social sphere compare to that of the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\u201cThe Fascist State\u201d by Christopher Leeds describes the ways in which Mussolini and the Italian Fascist Party attempted to mold Italian society. \u201cOur whole way of eating, dressing, working and sleeping, in short all our everyday habits, must be changed” … Continue reading