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Formation of an independent Italy
Italy was united under one king, Victor Emmanuel II, on March 17, 1861 following the Second Italian War for Independence. Despite political unification, Italy’s people were still not socially and economically united. Image: This is an image of the first Italian king, Victor Emmanuel II. He is an extremely significant historical figure as he was the one to assume for himself and for his successors the title of ‘King of Italy.’ -
Papal States taken over by new nation of Italy
Former Papal States, with the exception of Rome, joined the Kingdom of Italy upon its formation in 1861. Italians invaded Rome on September 20, 1870 and it became the capital of Italy after a plebiscite in October. This marked the end of the Papal States. Image: The map on the left shows the Papal States in 1815, and the map on the right shows the Papal States after they were fully annexed by Italy in 1870. This displays the full Italian takeover of the States. -
Failure of First Italo-Ethiopian War with the Battle of Adowa (Adwa)
Italians were hit by waves of Ethiopian attacks in the Battle of Adwa on March 1, 1896. Their severe loss in this battle led to their retreat back to Eritrea. Many were killed, wounded, or taken prisoner, and the war was very unpopular in Italy. Image: This is an image of Italians who were taken prisoner by the Ethiopians. After the Battle of Adwa, 3000 Italians were taken prisoner. The prisoners are shown waiting for repatriation here. -
Italy invades and takes over Libya
Italian troops invaded the Turkish province of Libya on September 29, 1911. This event started the Italo-Turkish War. The invasion was a costly enterprise for Italy. Image: This is an image of the Italian marines arriving at Tripoli. The creation of Italian Libya showed many, including Mussolini, that the lobbying power of a minority could have a great power in the country. -
Mussolini begins work as editor for the Socialist Party newspaper Avanti
On November 15, 1912, Mussolini was named editor of the Socialist newspaper Avanti. He doubled the newspaper’s circulation and openly opposed Italian intervention in WWI. In 1914, he resigned from Avanti and was expelled from the Socialist Party. Image: This is an image of the cover page of Avanti after its first publication. Mussolini was a successful editor of this Italian socialist newspaper for two years. -
Mussolini kicked out of Socialist Party for pro-nationalistic sentiments regarding WW I
On October 23, 1914, Mussolini was expelled from the Socialist Party for advocating for Italy to enter WWI. The Socialist Party had a strong neutralist stance regarding the war. Image: This is the logo for the Partito Socialista, or Italian Socialist Party. Mussolini was an active member of this party before his opinions on the war changed, causing him to be expelled. -
Treaty of London
The Treaty of London, signed on April 26, 1915, was a secret agreement signed between Italy and Entente in which Italy promised to fight in WWI on their side. The treaty promised land from Austria-Hungary and the Adriatic region to Italy, but much of the promises were not carried out in reality. Image: This image shows the territories in the Adriatic region and Dalmatia that were promised to Italy in the Treaty. Italy did not actually end up gaining much land as a result of the treaty. -
Beginning of Biennio Rosso
On January 26, 1919, the biennio rosso began, which was a period of intense social conflict in Italy. There were mass strikes, socialists seized control of local government and occupied land and factories, and the government lost a lot of respect. Socialist trade unions gained a lot of members during this time. Image: This image shows armed workers occupying a factory in Italy. These occupations were organized by trade unions and peasant leagues and involved over 1 million workers in Italy. -
Fascio di Combattimento formed in Milan
The Fascio di Combattimento was formed on March 23, 1919 with representatives from various political groups. This group intended to bring together nationalists and socialist, and the Fascist Programme was published to state demands. The group was united by a hatred for the liberal state. Image: This is an image of the Fascio di Combattimiento. This group was extremely significant as Italy’s major fascist organization. -
D’Annunzio takes Fiume
On September 12, 1919, D’Annunzio led 2000 armed men to the city of Fiume, which was one of the cities that Italy had sought but not won in the peace treaties. His forces ruled Fiume for the next 15 months, making him a hero to Italian nationalists. Image: This is an image showing D’Annunzio with a group of his supporters in Fiume. He was a hero to many nationalists and an inspiration to Mussolini after capturing and ruling this city. -
Mussolini forms alliance with Giolitti
On May 15, 1921, Giolitti offered the fascists an electoral alliance called the anti-socialist “National Bloc.” This agreement happened after Mussolini reassured Giolitti and other liberal politicians that fascist revolution would not actually happen. Image: This is Giovanni Giolitti, the liberal politician that agreed to ally with Mussolini and the fascists even though he didn’t align with their ideology. Even after this agreement, fascist violence continued and socialists were killed. -
Mussolini forms the PNF (Fascist Party) and is elected its leader
The PNF, or National Fascist Party, was formed on November 9, 1921 after Mussolini persuaded the Fasci di Combattimento to reform into a political party. Later that year, he persuaded the party to elect him as leader and agreed to end the truce with the socialists. Image: This is an image of a large crowd supporting D’Annunzio and the fascists’ flag. D’Annunzio was a great inspiration for the fascist movement. -
March on Rome and Mussolini becomes Prime Minister
The March on Rome was a mass demonstration beginning on October 27, 1922. Fascist squads took over town halls, railway stations, and telephone exchanges across Northern Italy. Through the king’s lenience, Mussolini became the prime minister legally and constitutionally. The fascist violence on the streets assisted him in this. Image: This is an image of Mussolini and his ‘blackshirt’ supporters during the March on Rome. This was a significant demonstration as it put Mussolini into power. -
Acerbo Law passed
July 1, 1923 - the Acerbo Law was passed, which gave the party who won the election with at least 25% of the votes ⅔ of the seats in parliament. After the fascists won the election of 1924, they gained over 300 seats in parliament, strengthening Mussolini’s hold on the state. Image: This is an image around the establishment of the Acerbo Law. This law was extremely significant in consolidating Mussolini’s power. -
Corfu Incident
Diplomatic and military crisis between Greece and Italy. It occurred when an Italian general was murdered on Greek soil while making maps of a disputed area. Mussolini demanded that Greece pay 50 million lire and apologize, Greece refused to pay, and Mussolini invaded Corfu. Image: This image shows Italian ships invading the Greek island of Corfu. Many Italians regarded Mussolini as a national hero after this incident, even though he was advised by the League of Nations to not carry it out. -
Matteotti Crisis
On June 10, 1924, Matteotti, the leader of the Socialist Party, was abducted and murdered by fascists. Worried about his downfall, Mussolini suspended parliament to prevent debates and ordered the arrest of Dumini and the gang who killed Matteotti. Image: This image shows Matteotti’s body being carried away from where it was found. This event was significant in Mussolini’s consolidation of power. -
Aventine Secession
Around 150 left and center leaning politicians withdrew from their seat in the chamber of deputies. They did this to show their opposition to fascism and Mussolini’s rule. Happened during a reactionary era caused by the murder of Matteotti. Image: Socialist legislators going to identify Matteoti’s body. The outrage they felt after his murder caused them to secede from their positions in a movement of protest. -
Battle for Grain
(Could not find specific date)
An economic policy undertaken by the fascists. Was intended to boost cereal production and make Italy self-sufficient and reduce the deficit in the balance of trade Image: propaganda photo of Mussolini standing on a grain tractor. This photo was taken to promote the battle for grain with the hopes that it will move Italy forward in making it self-sufficient. -
Locarno Treaty signed
Treaty was intended to secure borders of European nations after the first world war. France agreed to be in a state of peace with Germany to ensure permanent demilitarization of Rhineland Image: The Locarno treaty was intended to create peace among european nations, however the U.S’s reluctance to be involved in the league of nations prevented that from happening. -
Battle for Land and Battle for the Lira
An economic policy intended to reduce inflation and help the economy after the war. Creating a desirable currency to enhance the established image of fascism. Image: Examples of Italian Lira, the currency used by the Italians from 1861-2002. Represents a subunit of a euro. Intended to separate Italy from other European nations. -
Battle for Births
Increased welfare benefits, created tax breaks, and awarded medals to women that produced more than the target 5 children per family. Mussolini wanted to increase the Italian population from 40 mil to 60 mil by 1950 to rival the Roman empire. Banned contraceptives and abortions Image: Italian mothers medal granted to mothers that produced more than 5 children. Awarded as an incentive for families to have more children and for women to stay home to take care of the families. -
Kellogg-Briand Treaty signed
Outlawed war as being an instrument of national policy. Mostly seen as ineffective because it wasn't enforced properly. Signed by 15 nations including Germany, France, the U.S, and Italy. Was unable to prevent the second world war and had no influence on foreign policy Image: Image depicts world leaders signing the Kellogg-Briand Treaty on August 27, 1928 in Paris including countries such as Germany, France, Italy, the U.S and 11 others. -
Lateran Treaty with Pope
This treaty recognized Vatican City as being independent from Italy. Employees of the Vatican pay no income tax to Italy. Article 20 said that all bishops on the Vatican must be Italian by blood and speak Italian. Article 34 recognized the validity of catholic marriage Image: Mussolini and Cardinal Pietro Gasparri signing the Lateran treaty creating Vatican City. This separates the catholic church and Rome from the rest of Italy giving Mussolini more power. -
Abyssinian Crisis
A conflict between Italy and the empire of Ethiopia. After the League of Nations ruled against Italy, Italy left the league and made deals with Britain and France helping them to annex and occupy Abyssinia. Image: Map depicting Mussolini’s Italy invading Africa. Italy annexed Abyssinia after the second italo-Ethiopian war. -
Stresa Front
Britain, France and Italy met in Stresa Italy to discuss their concerns about Germany. They wanted to reiterate the terms of the Locarno treaty to resolve any arising conflict with Germany and maintain Austrian independence. Image: Political cartoon depicting the leaders of the nations met at the Stresa front where they discussed the terms of the Locarno treaty. The agencies made arrangements and agreements to avoid conflict or war with Germany. -
Italian involvement with Spanish Civil War
For Italy to continue to support the nationalist cause against the Second Spanish Republic Italian military intervention took place. Mussolini wanted secure control of the Mediterranean fast. Image: Republican propaganda poster found in France saying, “the claw of the Italian invader intends to enslave us.” This was intended to scare Spanish citizens of the possible results of Italian intervention in the war. -
Rome-Berlin Axis Treaty signed
An agreement linking Germany and Italy that was eventually joined by Japan creating the axis powers of WW2. The treaty created an alliance between Italy and Germany as the Spanish civil war was ending. Image: Mussolini and Hitler standing in front of a crowd after signing the Rome-Berlin axis treaty creating an alliance between Italy and Germany and beginning the creation of the axis powers. -
Munich Conference
An agreement between Britain, Germany, France, and Italy providing cession of Czechoslovakian territories to Germany. Germany gained Sudetenland to avoid possible conflict between the major European powers. Image: Hitler, Mussolini, and British prime minister Neville Chamberlain discussing the Czechoslovakian territory of Sudetenland. At this conference it was determined that the territory would be taken by Germany to avoid war or any costly conflicts involving Germany. -
Italy invades Albania
Due to Mussolini’s imperialist policies, Italy invaded and took over Albania making it a part of the Italian empire. Albania was often subject to being overrun making it easy and convenient for Italy. Image: Italian military forces invaded Albania making it a part of the Italian empire. This resulted in Albania king hiding out in Greece while its people were subject to live under a fascist government. -
Italy enters WW II on side of Germany
Italy joined WW2 on the axis powers' side. They fought mainly against the British empire in Africa and the Middle East attacking countries imperialized by Britain. Resources in Italy were reduced making it not well suited for a long war however they joined immediately following the French third republic’s surrender. Image: Propaganda encouraging Italy’s entry in WW2. Mussolini wanted Italy to gain allies and power so they joined the war with few resources to sustain the military for the long. -
Mussolini brought down by coup during WWII
Two plots were taken out against Mussolini by Count Dino Grandi and King Victor Emmanuel III. They were able to put an end to fascist rule in Italy and imprison Mussolini. King Victor Emmanuel III took over as Italy’s ruler. Image: King Victor Emmanuel III was the first to implement a vote of no confidence against Mussolini eventually leading to his fall from power. He then took over and lead Italy away from Mussolini’s fascist government. -
Mussolini killed
Mussolini and his mistress were shot by Italian partisans as they attempted to escape to Switzerland after his fall from power. After being shot, their bodies were transported to Milan where they were hung upside down for the Italian people to see. Image: Mussolini was executed and hung upside down publicly in Milan where the Italian people could gather and see. This allowed the people of Italy to get closure after the years of hardships Mussolini caused the Italian people to suffer through.