Sport at fascism's disposal: the 1934 Football World Cup as a case of ideological propagation and political enforcement

The inter-war period in Europe brought enormous transformations in people's daily life. The political regimes of the time: fascism, communism, Nazism and Western democracies utilized every single means to ensure internal stability and triumph abroad. Italy was one of these regimes that became t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Studies in physical culture and tourism 2012-01, Vol.19 (3), p.117-120
Main Authors:	Matsaridis, A, Kaimakamis, V
Format:	Article
Language:	eng
Subjects:	Football (American) Organization Perception Physical education Promotion Sports (camps) Tournaments Winning
Online Access:	Get full text
Tags:	Add Tag - 1 1 1 assessment 1 politics 1

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Summary:	The inter-war period in Europe brought enormous transformations in people's daily life. The political regimes of the time: fascism, communism, Nazism and Western democracies utilized every single means to ensure internal stability and triumph abroad. Italy was one of these regimes that became the birthplace of fascism, which placed a very special emphasis on sport. The awarding of the organization of FIFA World Cup to Italy in 1934 was precisely what Mussolini desired. The preparation of the host nation involved enormous promotion of the fascist regime's image. In 1934, attempts to identify fascism with the pure ideals of sport reached their peak. They had already begun in the early 1920s and took the form of radical reforms of every field of Italian life exemplified by the massive construction of sport stadiums and venues of "fascist design" all around the country. In every advertisement, report and campaign, fascism and sport were interconnected. On the one hand, Italy was glorified as a football power after winning the FIFA World Cup. On the other hand, in terms of the organization of the competition, Italy was perceived as a political power ready to play the leading role in the international political scene. The 1934 FIFA World Cup made the perception of Italy abroad not only as a colonial power but also as one of the greatest regulative powers.
ISSN:	0867-1079