Benito Mussolini

Europe’s First Fascist Dictator

Fascism?

How does a dictator rise to power?

Ruling Wisconsin warm-up

Fascism

Fascism is a system of government

Strong social and economic control by central government

Dictator as leader

Nationalism emphasized, supreme authority of leader

Hitler/Mussolini

Fascism

Main goals:

1. Create an Empire (Nationalism)

2. Develop a “New Man” from the “Ordinary Man”—morally and physically strong

Discussion

How is World War I going to led to the rise of dictators in Italy, Germany?

A dictator ever rise in the US?

Mussolini’s Rise to Power

Socialist Journalist

founded a Fascist newspaper

Italy hit by economic crisis after WWI

1922 March on Rome:

King Emmanuel feared it would lead to Civil War and gave Mussolini the Prime Minister position

Rise to Power

Mussolini’s ultimate goal

1. Create a new Roman Empire

--He conquered Ethiopia and aided Franco in the Spanish Civil War.

Even Pope: “the man whom God has sent us” Pope Pius XI

He controlled the Italian industry, schools, and the press.

Some seemingly ridiculous laws created by Mussolini

1. Made work days longer but salaries did not increase2. Newpapers could be no longer than 6 pages3. No more luxurious homes could be built.4. Nothing could be sold after 10 pm.

Involvement in WWII

Rise to Power

1925-1927 he created his dictatorship

1. Got rid of all opposing newspapers

2. Got rid of all non-fascist parties

3. Created a secret police force---and had the Italian people call him “IL Duce” meaning the leader!

Rise to Power

Italy’s involvement during WWII

World War II

Influenced Hitler and the Nazis

Joined an alliance with Hitler in 1936

Axis (Germany, Italy, Japan)

1938 put in anti-Semitic laws

End of his regime

1. Rumors that the allies were going to liberate Italy

2. Mussolini tried to flee to Switzerland with his mistress

3. He was caught and executed by the Italians

End of Mussolini

Italy after WWII

Italy was left in extreme poverty and disunity which led to the creation of a new government and constitution