-
Benito Mussolini was born on July 29, 1883 in Dovia di Predappio, Forlì, Italy.
-
Mussolini is expelled from the Socialist Party, becomes editor of the newspaper The People of Italy, creating ideas that would later be fascist principles.
-
Mussolini became a secretary of the Socialist party, and became well known through his powerful articles and speeches.
-
During the Great War, Mussolini was injured and was forced to return home to Italy. He believes and attempts to spread the idea that Italy would be better ruled by a dictator who could deal with Italy's current problems.
-
Mussolini created the Fascist Party in Italy.
-
Mussolini began to encourage "fascist squads" that would attack members of other political parties. By 1921, they gain significant control of Italy.
-
After being appointed by the King of Italy, Mussolini becomes the youngest Prime Minister in Italian history. He came into power because Italy was in political chaos, and his Fascist influences slowly encouraged his people to follow him.
-
Mussolini served as prime minister of Italy, and dismantled all democratic institutions. By 1925, Mussolini declared himself "Il Duce" or "The Leader".
-
In 1935, Mussolini, determined to show the true power of his new military regime, invaded Ethiopia and quickly captured their capital, Addis Ababa. Ethiopia was then introduced into the Italian Empire.
-
Intrigued by Italy's military successes, Adolf Hitler wished to form a relationship with Mussolini. This same year, Italy and Germany formed a military alliance known as the "Pact of Steel". Influenced by Hitler, Mussolini began to institute Anti-Semitic policies in Italy.
-
With the Allied Powers pressing forward through Italy, Mussolini resigned as dictator of Italy.
-
Rome was liberated by the Allied Forces, who later took control of Italy.
-
Mussolini and his wife were murdered by Italian resistance fighters and were hanged afterwards.