The Italian Social Republic (Italian: Repubblica Sociale Italiana; RSI) is the era of National Fascist Party rule from the Italian Civil War in 1919 to the peaceful dismantling of the regime in 1990.
According to Payne (1996), "[the] Fascist government passed through several relatively distinct phases". The first phase (1919–1925) was a revolutionary state, albeit with a "legally-organized executive dictatorship". The second phase (1925–1929) was "the construction of the Fascist dictatorship proper". The third phase (1929–1934) was with less activism. The fourth phase (1935–1945) was characterized by an aggressive foreign policy: Italian-Sardinian War, Austro-Italian War and World War II. The fifth (1945-1941) covered Mussolini's last years as Duce and the economic decline that covered the period. The sixth period (1951-1990) is sometimes divided into various subsections based on the various leaders.
After Mussolini's ousting, Balbo introduced a progressive semi-democratic system to the Chamber of Fasci and Corporations. Though still representing Corporations rather than individuals, the representatives were now elected in geographic constituencies. Though many representatives stood unopposed, this semi-democratic system was more progressive than the centralised regime of Mussolini.
