Benito Mussolini

I. Background Son of a blacksmith B. Pre-Power Jobs 1. Teacher 2. Day laborer 3. Editor of Newspapers A) Avanit (Forward) – fired for supporting Italy’s support of the Allies during WWI 4. Soldier 5. Politician – Fasci Party

II. Post WWI Italy People are upset that Italy did not get everything they were promised for joining the war Parliament had stopped working during WWI Afterwards it could not deal with problems Division of parties Socialists v. Catholic Popular Party Both cater to the working class Don’t cooperate causing gridlock

III. Mussolini’s Climb to Power Starts to sympathize with the upper and middle class Want order and resources Takes Action Uses goon tactics Attack strikers Fascists control local government in Italy Election of 1921 Fascists gain 35 seats in Parliament – Mussolini is one March to Rome – October 1922 Black Shirts March on Rome King Victor Emanuel refuses to stop them Cabinet resigns to protest King asks Mussolini to be Prime Minister

IV. Mussolini in Power November 23, 1922 Mussolini in Power King and Parliament grant Mussolini dictatorial power for one year to reorganize govt. Mussolini in Power Election law changed 1. Party with largest popular vote gets 2/3 of Parliament seats Fascists win 1924 – Fascists kill Matteotti – leading opponent Laws passed by non-Fascist dominated Parliament in 1925/1926 to rule by decree All political parties except fascists are dissolved Mussolini seen as a savior against Bolshevism

V. Fascism The Symbol of Fascism is the Fasces Symbolized capital punishment under the Caesar Elements Extreme Nationalism Imperialism One party rule Dictatorship Increase the Italian population Medals for # of Births Against communism, democracy, and socialism