Mussolini's Rise in Power

By Amparo Kelso

  • Mussolini was Born in Central Italy

  • Mussolini moved to Switzerland, where he became involved in socialist politics.

  • Mussolini returned to Italy, and worked as a journalist in the socialist press

    but his support for Italy's entry into World War One led to his break with socialism.

  • Mussolini was drafted into the Italian army in September 1915.

  • Mussolini formed the Fascist Party

    Galvanising the support of many unemployed war veterans. He organised them into armed squads known as Black Shirts, who terrorised their political opponents.

  • The Fascist Party was invited to join the coalition government.

  • King Victor Emmanuel invited Mussolini to form a government

  • Mussolini gradually dismantled the institutions of democratic government and made himself dictator

  • Mussolini invaded Abyssinia (now Ethiopia)

    Mussolini incorporated it into his new Italian Empire.

  • Mussolini Culminated in the Pact of Steel.

    Mussolini provided military support to Franco in the Spanish Civil War. Increasing co-operation with Nazi Germany