How Successful was the Economy Under Mussolini

1. Important Goals For The Economy:

No Need To Import Wheat

More Usable Land
Strengthen The Economy
Industrialize Italy

2. Problems Mussolini Faced, Working Towards His Goals:

When trying to complete all of the goals Mussolini set for Italy during his reign as
a Fascist dictator, he encountered various problems. Some of these problems were lack of
resources, imported and natural. With a lack of natural and imported resources many of
his goals such as industrializing the country could never be reached, as to begin to reach
these goals resources were the first requirement. Italy did not have many national
resources to begin with, and with Mussolini attempting to strengthen the economy, the
Italian export rates were declining as Mussolini had increased the price, decreasing
international demand. As a result of this Mussolini had a hard time affording imports, as
he had weakened his currency.
3.
Agricultural Production: Refusal to work from peasants, Unusable uncultivated land
surrounding Italy (Ex: Marsh/Swamp).
Industrial Production: Revolts from peasants, Industrial strikes leading to a loss in
production.
Trade: International demand for Italian resources/goods decreased with the higher prices,
Imports fell as the prices were too much and Mussolini9s goals stopped wheat imports
altogether.
Transport: The amount of railways in Italy increased, resulting in a higher transportation
rate.
Government Debt: Public debt steadily rose due to less money from exports and the costs
of Mussolinis steps towards his goals.
Standard of Living: High taxes due to Mussolini wanting a strong army and
economy/currency.
4.
The Italian economy under Mussolini was less successful as exports decreased,
taxes raised, prices raised and unemployment grew, leading to a weak economy. In the
steps to strengthen the Italian currency Mussolini raised taxes on his people, and taxes on
their exports, decreasing demand and bringing in less currency than before his
government rain Italy. Another thing was the increase in unemployment, causing less
money to be put into the hands of the people and poverty to rise. AS a result of these the

economy in Italy was outstandingly weak miles away from Mussolinis goal of
strengthening the currency and economy.