1. Mussolini & Italian Fascism Fascist Fallout from WWI

2. Young Mussolini Strong Italian nationalist, wanted Italy in WWI. Fought in WWI, outraged at Versailles treaty (Italians snubbed). 1919—Organizes his first paramilitary organization.

3. Postwar Italy Economic depression in cities, high unemployment. Socialists urge strikes, land reform. Peasants attacked landlords, trying to take land. Parliamentary governments are ineffective to fix problems. Fascist “Black Shirts” and Socialists fight in cities & countryside.

5. Fascists Take Power Mussolini promises restoration of land and order. “Black Shirts” break up strikes and attack union halls. Wishes to recreate Roman Empire & Italian grandeur. Black Shirts march on Rome (like Red Shirts), Mussolini appointed premier & emergency powers for a year (1922).

6. Mussolini Consolidates Power Reduced parliamentary power. Dissolved labor unions. Abolished political parties. Denounced democracy as a sham. Proclaims himself as Duce (leader). Creates Fascist organizations (women, opera, bowling…etc.) 22 “Corporations” organized by occupation Declares “third path” (neither capitalism nor Marxism).

7. Put a lid on it! No real advances or reforms made in economy or countryside. Mussolini gets great press for “making the trains run on time.” Concordat signed with Vatican gains support from peasants, papacy. Monarchy remained in place. Made Italy feel self-confident again.