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Benito Mussolini born in troubled Italy
Mussolini was born the son of a blacksmith who had socialist beliefs. Socialism, anarchism, and other political movements were growing as frutration grew with the liberal government and the lack of representation of the People. Also, Italy was not fully unified and there was a significant wealth and modernization gap between North and South Italy. -
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Developed a reputation as a militant
Mussolini wrote articles where he described traditional socialist views. He would later become a fascist and have very different beliefs. However, socialism and fascism have similar aspects, as both movements were radical, arose from post WWI anger, and teach loyalty to the state. -
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World War I
Italy fought in WWI on the side of the Allies. They entered the war when they signed the Treaty of London, promising Italy a large amount of land. Mussolini fought in the war, becoming a known militant and changing his opinions to Fascism. -
Italian Socialist Party Calls for Revolution
The Italian Socialist Party (PSI) had been growing since 1914. Tension and discontent was rising throughout Europe with the frustration of WWI. This tension manifested when Italian Socialist Party, inspired by the Bolshevik Revolution of Russia, called for an overthrow of the corrupt liberal government. -
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Mussolini's rise to power
Mussolini rose to power after WWI when Italy was in turmoil. The liberal government was hated by many, and it kept power away from the people in fear of the threats of socialism, anarchism, and the Catholic Church. Mussolini took this hatred along with the disappointment of WWI and fueled his campaign. -
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Bienno Rosso (Two Red Years)
This was a period that lasted for two years after WWI. It was a time where the socialist movement grew strongly throughout Italy. Unions and peasant leagues organized strikes and militant action. During this time,Italy was in poor economic condition with a high unemployment rate and massive inflation due to the printing of money to pay debt. -
Paris Peace Conference/ Treaty Versaille
This was where all the peace treaties between were settled after WWI ended. For Italy, as well as many other countries, the terms of the treaties were dissapointing and angering. The Treaty of London promised Italy much more than they actually got from the war, leading to unrest in Italy and other countries. -
Mussolini established the National Fascist party
Mussolini organized his followers into the Fascist Party. Angry veterans formed the core of the original party, and Mussolini aranged these into the Black Shirts, who would use violence and intimidation to gain power. The party struggled for significance at first, but became popular over time. -
Mussolini made a speech declaring violence was necessary
At this speech, Mussolini claimed his Fascist movement to be an anti-socialist crusade. He also declared that violence was necessary, a key part of the definition of Fascism. Mussolini had begun to use his Black Shirts in organised squads called squadristi in order to assert central control. -
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Mussolini ruled
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March on Rome
Mussolini sent his Black Shirts to march on Rome. This put a lot of pressure on the king and government. Out of intimidation, King Victor Emmanuel appointed Mussolini as prime minister in an attempt to resolve matters, so technically Mussolini was appointed constitutionally. -
Mussolini assumesd totalitarian control
Mussolini gained power from his position as prime minister. He received full government power for a year. In that year he appointed Fascist leaders, and the Fascist party won the vote by 65%. -
Mussolini established himself as dictator
In 1925, Mussolini forced all non-Fascists out of power. He began to tightly control the media and dissolve all other parties. Mussolini also started calling himself Il Duce, or The Leader, assuming the role of a dictator. He ruled with Ur-Fascism ideals, keeping individuals ignorant, using violence, and teaching of a struggle and battle. -
Mussolini signed the Lateran Treaty
The Lateran Treaty was an agreement between the Vatican City and Mussolini's Fascist Italy. It settled disputes about the power that Holy See had in Italy. Mussolini was attempting again to maintain power by gaining the support of everyone. -
Mussolini gained support from Pope Pius XI
The Catholic Church had been an enemy of Fascism, but Mussolini took a more moderate stance to appease conservatives. Pope Pius XI finally supported Mussolini when he recognised Vatican City as a country. This showed the widespread support for Mussolini.
