Why did some landowners and industrialists support Fascist squads?

Landowners and industrialists supported Fascist squads primarily as a reaction to the social and political instability of the post-World War I era, often referred to as the biennio rosso ("two red years") of 1919–1920.12

During this period, Italy faced severe economic crises, including high inflation and unemployment, which fueled widespread unrest. Landowners and industrialists were alarmed by:2

• Labor Agitation: Socialist and Catholic labor unions, as well as peasants' cooperatives, organized strikes, seized land, and occupied factories, threatening the traditional ruling class and property rights.12
• Political Shifts: The rise of the Socialist Party and the election of left-wing local administrations led to fears of a Bolshevik-style revolution.12
• Loss of Control: Existing government coalitions were perceived as weak and unable to protect private property or maintain order, often forcing owners to make concessions on wages and workplace control.2

Consequently, these groups financed Fascist squads to act as a private militia. The squads used systematic violence to dismantle Socialist and Catholic organizations, break strikes, and overthrow local councils, effectively crushing the labor movement and restoring the influence of the landed and business elites.1