Mussolini “Il Duce”

 A. Conditions in Italy  1. Severe economic & political problems  2. Trade declined, taxes rose  3. Extreme unrest among the people  4. Nationalists denounced government- promised relief

Mussolini’s Rise to Power  B. Benito Mussolini  1. Was a socialist until the war-rejected socialism for intense nationalism.  2. Promised to end turmoil & corruption  Organized the Fascist party.  4. Charismatic speaker-promised “Roman Greatness”

 C. Fascist Party  1. Mussolini organized supporters  2. Black Shirts-favored violent action  A. war vets  B. Used intimidation & terror

D. March on Rome-Oct Fascists swarmed the capital  a. Government forced to surrender  b. King named Mussolini Prime Minister  c. obtained legal appointment to lead Italy 2. Mussolini could make the laws a. Outlawed other parties b. Fascists held all important jobs c. imposed censorship

 E. Mussolini’s Rule  1. Blamed Italy’s problems on world depression  2. State controlled economy  3. Favored upper classes and business leaders  F. Aggressive foreign policy  1. Invaded Ethiopia-conquered 1936  2. Used Social Darwinism theory G. Individuals & State a. Shaped young with fascists goals b. Women given medals for 14+children c. Glorification of the state-“Believe! Obey! Fight!

 H. Downfall-Demise  1. Mussolini sided with Hitler Hitler  2. July 1943-invaded  by allies from south  A. Italians overthrew Il Duce  B. signed an armistice 3. Hitler sent troops to rescue him-fought 18months 4. Mussolini executed April 28, 1945