1. Establishing the Fascist Party: Mussolini transformed the National Fascist Party into the dominant political force in Italy, effectively turning the country into a one-party state.
2. Propaganda: Mussolini used state-controlled media to spread Fascist ideology and promote his policies. He emphasized strong leadership, nationalism, and the revitalization of Italy's greatness.
3. Eliminating Opposition: Mussolini suppressed any political opposition, silencing critics, and using brutal tactics to eliminate potential threats to his power.
Economic and Social Policies:
1. Economic Revival: Mussolini focused on reviving the Italian economy through public works projects, industrial modernization, and policies that promoted self-sufficiency.
2. Corporatist State: He implemented a corporatist economic model where labor unions and employer organizations were brought together under government control to resolve conflicts and advance national interests.
3. Social Programs: Mussolini introduced various social programs, including labor rights, maternity benefits, and social welfare initiatives, to gain popular support.
Foreign Policy and Expansion:
1. Aggressive Nationalism: Mussolini pursued an aggressive foreign policy to restore Italy's status and expand its territories. He embarked on military conquests in Africa, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean.
2. Alliance with Germany: He forged a close alliance with Nazi Germany, which shared similar fascist ideologies and expansionist ambitions.
Cult of Personality:
Mussolini cultivated a cult of personality, promoting himself as the "Duce" (leader) and presenting himself as the embodiment of Italian power and identity.
Suppression of Dissent:
He established the OVRA (Organization for Vigilance and Repression of Anti-Fascism), a secret police force that suppressed political dissent and maintained his regime's control over the population.
Censorship:
Mussolini instituted strict censorship of the press, literature, and arts, ensuring that only messages aligned with Fascist ideology were disseminated.
Education:
The education system was reorganized to indoctrinate students with Fascist values, emphasizing obedience, loyalty, and the glorification of the state.