MussoliniMussolini“Il Duce”“Il Duce”

A. Conditions in ItalyA. Conditions in Italy 1. Severe economic & political problems1. Severe economic & political problems 2. Trade declined, taxes rose2. Trade declined, taxes rose 3. Extreme unrest among the people3. Extreme unrest among the people 4. Nationalists denounced government-4. Nationalists denounced government-

promised reliefpromised relief

Mussolini’s Rise to PowerMussolini’s Rise to Power

B. Benito MussoliniB. Benito Mussolini 1. Was a socialist until the war-rejected 1. Was a socialist until the war-rejected

socialism for intense nationalism.socialism for intense nationalism. 2. Promised to end turmoil & corruption2. Promised to end turmoil & corruption 3. 1919-Organized the Fascist party.3. 1919-Organized the Fascist party. 4. Charismatic speaker-promised “Roman 4. Charismatic speaker-promised “Roman

Greatness”Greatness”

C. Fascist PartyC. Fascist Party 1. Mussolini organized supporters1. Mussolini organized supporters 2. Black Shirts-favored violent action2. Black Shirts-favored violent action

A. war vets A. war vets B. Used intimidation & terrorB. Used intimidation & terror

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D. March on Rome-Oct. 1922D. March on Rome-Oct. 1922

1. Fascists swarmed the capital1. Fascists swarmed the capital a. Government forced to surrendera. Government forced to surrender b. King named Mussolini Prime Ministerb. King named Mussolini Prime Minister c. obtained legal appointment to lead Italyc. obtained legal appointment to lead Italy

2. Mussolini could make the laws2. Mussolini could make the laws

a. Outlawed other partiesa. Outlawed other parties

b. Fascists held all important jobsb. Fascists held all important jobs

c. imposed censorshipc. imposed censorship

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E. Mussolini’s RuleE. Mussolini’s Rule 1. Blamed Italy’s problems on world depression1. Blamed Italy’s problems on world depression 2. State controlled economy2. State controlled economy 3. Favored upper classes and business leaders3. Favored upper classes and business leaders

F. Aggressive foreign policyF. Aggressive foreign policy 1. Invaded Ethiopia-conquered 19361. Invaded Ethiopia-conquered 1936 2. Used Social Darwinism theory2. Used Social Darwinism theoryG. Individuals & StateG. Individuals & State

a. Shaped young with fascists goalsa. Shaped young with fascists goalsb. Women given medals for 14+childrenb. Women given medals for 14+childrenc. Glorification of the state-“Believe! Obey! c. Glorification of the state-“Believe! Obey! Fight!Fight!

H. Downfall-DemiseH. Downfall-Demise 1. Mussolini sided with1. Mussolini sided with

HitlerHitler 2. July 1943-invaded 2. July 1943-invaded by allies from southby allies from south

A. Italians overthrew Il DuceA. Italians overthrew Il Duce B. signed an armisticeB. signed an armistice

3. Hitler sent troops to rescue him-fought 18months3. Hitler sent troops to rescue him-fought 18months

4. Mussolini executed April 28, 19454. Mussolini executed April 28, 1945