Do Now: Would you want to live in a country where the government controls all aspects of your life? Why or why not?

Fascism: system of government that promotes extreme nationalism, repression, anticommunism, and is ruled by a dictator Benito Mussolini (1883 – 1945): Italian leader. He founded the Italian Fascist Party, and sided with Hitler and Germany in World War II. In 1945 he was overthrown and assassinated by the Italian Resistance. Il Duce: “The Leader” in Italian. Mussolini was called Il Duce by the people of Italy Der Führer: “The Leader” in German. Hitler was called Der Führer by the people of Germany

Political Changes: 1 – ended free & fair elections, jailed & executed critics of Fascism 2 – used secret police to carry out political assassinations 3 – Mussolini had total control over most of Italian life Economic Changes: 1 – Fascist government controlled the economy; workers weren’t allowed to strike & the government set the prices of goods Social Changes: 1 – men were encouraged to become soldiers, women were supposed to have large families 2 – all citizens were taught to obey the government without question 3 – Italian children were brainwashed to obey Mussolini & fight for Italy’s glory

Read the handout on Mussolini’s Italy Underline or highlight the important information Answer questions 1 – 10 in FULL SENTENCES

Did Mussolini change Italy for the better or for the worse? Explain your answer in FULL SENTENCES