Introduction
-
Jonathan Dunnage
Abstract
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines the careers and lives of regular Italian police personnel against the background of Benito Mussolini's rise to power and his attempted construction of a new fascist civilisation. It illustrates how, in spite of notable levels of support for fascism among policemen, Mussolini's movement was hesitant in its relations with the police, particularly the institutions of the Interior Ministry. The book analyses how effectively a fascist culture penetrated the police. It assesses the ability of the regular Italian police to determine the orientation of fascism at the local level, in view of the extension of their political responsibilities, which now included monitoring the activities of the Fascist Party.
Abstract
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines the careers and lives of regular Italian police personnel against the background of Benito Mussolini's rise to power and his attempted construction of a new fascist civilisation. It illustrates how, in spite of notable levels of support for fascism among policemen, Mussolini's movement was hesitant in its relations with the police, particularly the institutions of the Interior Ministry. The book analyses how effectively a fascist culture penetrated the police. It assesses the ability of the regular Italian police to determine the orientation of fascism at the local level, in view of the extension of their political responsibilities, which now included monitoring the activities of the Fascist Party.
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Contents v
- List of figures vii
- Preface and acknowledgements ix
- Introduction 1
- 1 ‘Cinderella status’ 8
- 2 The ‘fascistisation’ of police culture 37
- 3 Oppression and consensus-building 78
- 4 The performance of Mussolini’s policemen 104
- 5 Personal profiles 135
- 6 Facing the demise of fascism 166
- 7 Conclusion 206
- Select bibliography 223
- Index 229
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Contents v
- List of figures vii
- Preface and acknowledgements ix
- Introduction 1
- 1 ‘Cinderella status’ 8
- 2 The ‘fascistisation’ of police culture 37
- 3 Oppression and consensus-building 78
- 4 The performance of Mussolini’s policemen 104
- 5 Personal profiles 135
- 6 Facing the demise of fascism 166
- 7 Conclusion 206
- Select bibliography 223
- Index 229
