Introduction
Mussolini’s Fascist regime implemented major infrastructure projects and social policies to strengthen control, modernise Italy, and shape society according to Fascist ideals of discipline and loyalty.

Public Works: Infrastructure and National Development

Public works were central to Mussolini’s ambition to create a modern, self-sufficient state while showcasing the efficiency of the Fascist regime. They aimed to reduce unemployment, stimulate the economy, and propagate the image of a strong Italy.

Railways and Roads

• Railway expansion was prioritised for both military and economic purposes. The regime modernised existing networks and electrified major lines to improve efficiency.

• Autostrade (motorways) projects demonstrated technological progress and national pride. The first autostrada, connecting Milan to Lakes Como and Garda, opened in 1924.

• By the 1930s, road-building programmes extended across Italy, facilitating internal trade and rapid troop movement.

A clean map illustrating Italy’s motorway network (autostrade), emphasising the regime’s infrastructural expansion. Though it may feature modern roads beyond the 1920s-30s, the general layout helps visualise the regime’s strategic development of transportation corridors. Source

Land Reclamation and Urban Development

• The Bonifica Integrale (integral land reclamation) scheme drained marshlands, notably the Pontine Marshes, to reduce malaria and expand agricultural land.

• New towns, such as Littoria (later Latina), were built to symbolise Fascist strength and attract rural settlers loyal to the regime.

Social Policy: Education and Youth Indoctrination

Fascist social policy focused on creating loyal citizens and instilling Fascist values from childhood.

Education System

• Schools became tools for ideological indoctrination. Textbooks were rewritten to promote nationalism, obedience, and the cult of Mussolini.

• Teachers were required to swear an oath of loyalty to the regime.

• History lessons glorified the Roman Empire and Italy’s military exploits to instil imperial ambition.

Youth Organisations

• The regime established Opera Nazionale Balilla (ONB) for boys aged 8–14 and Avanguardisti for older youth. These groups promoted military discipline, physical fitness, and loyalty to Mussolini.

• Girls were channelled into organisations emphasising domesticity, motherhood, and support for Fascist ideals.

Sport and Leisure: Dopolavoro and Fascist Culture

The regime recognised the importance of leisure in shaping behaviour. Opera Nazionale Dopolavoro (OND), established in 1925, provided organised leisure activities to workers.

• OND offered sports facilities, libraries, theatres, and holiday excursions, giving the impression of improving workers’ quality of life.

• Sport was linked to national prestige. Italy invested heavily in football and athletics, securing victories such as winning the 1934 and 1938 FIFA World Cups.

• While OND avoided overt political messaging, it subtly reinforced Fascist ideals of discipline and physical strength.

Women and Population Policies

Mussolini aimed to mould women into mothers and homemakers, serving the “Battle for Births” campaign to increase Italy’s population for future military and imperial ambitions.

Women’s Role

• Women were encouraged to leave the workforce and focus on domestic duties. Laws in the 1930s restricted female employment in civil service and professions.

• Fascist propaganda portrayed motherhood as the ultimate service to the nation, rewarding large families with financial incentives and honorary medals.

Population Policy

• The Battle for Births, launched in 1927, set a target of 60 million Italians by 1950.

• Policies included:

  • Tax breaks for large families

  • Loans for marriage

  • Penalties on bachelors through additional taxation

• Despite efforts, birth rates continued to decline, reflecting economic hardship and women’s resistance.

Education and Youth Policy: Key Aims and Features

• Key Aims:

  • Cultivate loyalty to Mussolini and the Fascist state

  • Prepare boys for military service and girls for motherhood

• Key Features:

  • Textbook censorship to align with Fascist ideology

  • Youth rallies, parades, and summer camps reinforcing discipline

  • Physical education prioritised to build strength and resilience

Social Engineering Through Culture and Propaganda

Social policy extended beyond formal institutions. Fascism used cinema, radio, and newspapers to glorify the regime’s achievements. Cultural initiatives reinforced messages of unity and sacrifice for the nation.

• Architecture reflected Fascist ideals, blending modernity with Roman grandeur. Buildings like the EUR district in Rome embodied the vision of a powerful empire reborn.

• These cultural strategies complemented education and leisure programmes, ensuring ideological saturation across daily life.