The Economy of Italy
After the First World War, the economic situation in Fascist Italy was beyond optimism. Mussolini realized the importance for the nation to develop her economy in order to “become a major European power” (History Learning Site), and therefore, he launched three battles, attempting to solve the economic problems. They are the “Battle for Land”, the “Battle of the Lira” and the “Battle for Wheat”.
The purpose of the “Battle for Land” was to turn marshland into areas which could be used for farming. The Pontine Marshes was one of the areas that been cleared. Moreover, the high value that Mussolini attached on the Italian currency (the lira) led to the “Battle of the Lira”. As a result, economic depression proved it as a failure since Italian exports became extremely expensive and unemployment increased. In addition, Mussolini desired not to rely on imports as “to create a self-sufficient state” was “one of the main aims of Fascism” and hence, launched the “Battle for Wheat” (Textbook 74). The plan ultimately affected the poor as the price of Italian grain grew.
In conclusion, Mussolini’s plans did not change the fate of Italy’s economy in the period of Fascism, as the problems revealed in the Second World War.
Resources: Textbook 74
"The Economy in Fascist Italy." The Economy in Fascist Italy. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Dec. 2012.
<http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/economy_in_fascist_italy.htm>
The purpose of the “Battle for Land” was to turn marshland into areas which could be used for farming. The Pontine Marshes was one of the areas that been cleared. Moreover, the high value that Mussolini attached on the Italian currency (the lira) led to the “Battle of the Lira”. As a result, economic depression proved it as a failure since Italian exports became extremely expensive and unemployment increased. In addition, Mussolini desired not to rely on imports as “to create a self-sufficient state” was “one of the main aims of Fascism” and hence, launched the “Battle for Wheat” (Textbook 74). The plan ultimately affected the poor as the price of Italian grain grew.
In conclusion, Mussolini’s plans did not change the fate of Italy’s economy in the period of Fascism, as the problems revealed in the Second World War.
Resources: Textbook 74
"The Economy in Fascist Italy." The Economy in Fascist Italy. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Dec. 2012.
<http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/economy_in_fascist_italy.htm>