When Benito Mussolini took over as Prime Minister of Italy in 1922 the economy was in a bad state following World War I.
Between 1922 and 1925, the financial and economic situation generally improved dramatically and this helped to increase the power of Italy, who strived to be one of the world's leading countries.
Mussolini took the view that a weak lira would look bad for the country when presenting Italy as a great power across Europe and the United States.
The policy was confirmed at the Pesaro Speech on 18 August 1926 and was given the name Quota 90, referring to the value they wanted to achieve.
Tariffs on undesirable imports such as consumer goods and foodstuffs kept their high price and restricted demand, protecting Mussolini's Battle for Grain policy.