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Formation of an independent Italy
I chose this image because it depicts the Garibaldi's march. An event that the master narrative often refers to as the turning point of Italy's independence -
Papal States taken over by new nation of Italy
I chose the image of the fox and the hair as the Papal states were the last to join the empire -
Failure of First Italo-Ethiopian War with the Battle of Adowa (Adwa)
I chose this image because it exemplifies the main reason for Italy's defeat was their technological advances -
Italy invades and takes over Libya
I chose this image because Libya was taken due to the Italian people believing they, decedents of Rome, were entitled to that land -
Mussolini kicked out of Socialist Party for pro-nationalistic sentiments regarding WW I
I chose this image because it is one of a newspaper (how ironic) announcing the party's disownment of him -
Mussolini begins work as editor for the Socialist Party newspaper Avanti
I chose this image due to Avanti initially having socialist association -
Treaty of London
I chose this image because it displays the change in Italian territory as a result of the Treaty of London -
Beginning of Biennio Rosso
I chose this image because the Beginning of Biennio Rosso was heavily inspired by the recent, minorly successful, Russian revolution. -
Fasci Di Combattimento is Formed
This image represents the Fasci Di Combattimento manifesto. This represents Mussolini's efforts to bring together nationalists, socialists, and others. Although not under one common beliefs necessarily, they all were united by their hatred of the liberal state. Thus, it is significant in reflecting the inefficiency about Italy's political system at the time. -
D'Annuzio Takes Over Fiume
This image displays the crowds who went to "reclaim" Fiume with D'Annuzio. This is significant as it displays the joyous mood conflicting the results of post-war negotiations. It also inspired Mussolini to act similarly in his own consolidation of power through the use of black shirts and theatrical actions. -
Mussolini Forms Alliance with Giolitti
This is an image of Giovanni Giolitti. He offered Mussolini an alliance which provided Mussolini an opportunity to rise in power (the antisocialist National Bloc). Giovanni was also significant as it depicted how Mussolini played into Giovanni's expectation of being able to control Mussolini (and his power) while managing to indirectly decreasing support for other political parties. -
Mussolini Forms the PNF and is Elected the Leader
This is a representation of the PNF, the Fascist Party. Mussolini's appointment was significant as he became a clear, undisputed leader of a united political party. This party was powerful due to their nationalistic rhetoric (such as restoration of prestige - Romanita) and the stability it represented against the "socialist threat". -
March On Rome, Mussolini Becomes Prime Minister
This displays an organized demonstration with Fascist militia squads (Squadrismo). The ras took over Rome by taking town halls, telephone exchanges, railways, land, etc of Northern Italy as they marched. This was significant as it was an opportunity to prove his power with his appointment despite not leading the march. He was seen as an even stronger leader with the ras' military power alonside the King's/monarchy's support. -
Acerbo Law is Passed
The imag is of Giacomo Acerbo (surprise). He was the connection between conservatives and fascists as well as the one who wrote the Law. The law was significant as it allowed fascists to take power despite not having much national presence. It was a legal means of making Mussolini's power seem legitimate and made up for lack of power in other areas. -
Corfu Incident
This image depicts the Italian forces who occupied Corfu when several Italians were murdered. It was significant as it demonstrated the scale of loyal military forces under Mussolini. Besides this, his response also boosted his national reputation. -
Matteotti Crisis
Mussolini sitting on Matteotti's coffin! This depicts how Mussolini was efficient in addressing opposition (violence and friends). This was significant as it damaged his reputation and general fascist support after Mussolini. -
Aventine Secession
This photo depicts Socialist legislators Enrico Gonzales, Filippo Turati, and Claudio Treveson on their way to Quartarella to identify Matteotti's body. This photo is significant because the Matteotti crisis caused many socialists to abandon their parliamentary work. -
Battle of Grain
This is a propaganda photo of Mussolini for the Battle of Grain. This propaganda photo is significant because it illustrates Mussolini as a charismatic leader by putting himself on the ground with the farming equipment and causes others to want to join him. -
Locarno Treaty signed
The photo illustrates the leaders during the Locarno negotiations. This photo is significant because it helps understand the perspective of who was there which can help understand the motives -
Battle for Land and Battle for the Lira
This photo shows people draining marshes for the battle of land. This picture is significant as it shows the effects of the battle of land and illustrates the environmental impact. -
Battle for Births
This image shows one of Mussolini's motherhood factories. This picture is significant because it shows the effects of the battle of births and shows how important he viewed birth. -
Kellogg-Briand Treaty signed
This photo depicts the signing of the Kellogg-Briand Treaty. This photo is significant because it gives the perspective of who was there and the conditions in which the treaty was signed. -
Lateran Treaty with Pope
This photo showcases the signing of the Lateran treaty with the Pope. This photo is significant because of the consequences that followed. After this was signed, Vatican City was created and it restored some relations between the Papacy and Italy. -
Abyssinian Crisis
This political cartoon was chosen as it demonstrates the discontent over the League of Nation's appeasement to Italy's invasion of Abyssinia (Ethiopia) with their limited sanctions. -
Stresa Front
The image shows France, Italy, and Britain at the Stresa Front conference. This is significant because it shows the perspectives that were at the Stresa Front. -
Rome-Berlin Axis Treaty Signed
The political cartoon demonstrates the nature of the alliance or friendship treaty through the depiction of Hitler, a representation of himself as well as larger german opinion and efforts, commanding Italy/Mussolini to do as he says -
Italian Involvement with Spanish Civil War
The boot of Italy stomping on Spain demonstrates the military aid and weaponry given to the Spanish nationalists out of a shared desire with Germany for another ally. -
Munich Conference
The depiction of Hitler as lounging happily while being significantly larger than the representations of other nations exemplifies the appeasement of German wishes in ww1. -
Italy Invades Albania
The cartoon was chosen to depict Italy's invasion of Albania as it represents the implications the invasion had on international relations. The cartoon depicts Mussolini carrying a defeated Albania while taunting France and England. This displays the negative influence of the invasion and the public opinion of Mussolini's attitude. -
Italy Enters WW2 on the Side of Germany
This cartoon displays the perceived actions, or lack thereof, from Italy in the WW2 Axis effort as the smaller horse is dragged along by the much larger Nazi tank -
Mussolini Brought Down by Coup during WW2
This political cartoon was chosen because it demonstrates the dynamic between Mussolini and the King during Mussolini's maintenance of power. However, in 1943 this changed following one of Mussolini and the king's meetings. -
Mussolini Killed
This historic photo was chosen as it exemplifies the violence and humiliation of Mussolini's death. After being shot, he was strung up with piano strings and mocked. This demonstrates the public (or communist) opinion of Mussolini at the end of the second world war