The Rise of Mussolini in Italy
Benito Mussolini (1883-1945)
By: Katie Galough and Jen Tripp
Benito Mussolini
Benito Mussolini
(1883-1945)
Mussolini Comes to Power
• Formed Fascist part in Italy in 1919
• Supported the striking workers in 1920
• In 1921, made many promises:
• Would protect wealthy
• Jobs and benefits for all workers
• Would make Italy glorious again
• In 1922, Mussolini gained control
• Blackshirts used violence to intimidate
• Fascists “Marched on Rome”
• King made Mussolini prime minister
1922 March on Rome
• to establish Mussolini and the Fascist Party
as the most important party in Italy
• In 1921 the fascist parties in Italy joined
together to form the Fascist Party
• Mussolini said this at a party conference:
"Either the government will be given to
us or will shall seize it by marching on
Rome."
March on Rome, 1922
Mussolini gains power
Summary
• Mussolini set up a
Fascist Party and
promised to solve Italy’s
problems
• Promised to rebuild
Italy and recreate the
Roman Empire
• Organized armed gangs
called the “Blackshirts”
• Came to power in 1922
and was appointed Prime
Minister by King Victor
Emmanuel to prevent a
Communist Revolution in
Italy (during March of
Rome)
Mussolini Addressing the Italian People
Mussolini’s New Government
• In 1924, Fascists overtook the parliament
• Mussolini now reorganized the government
• Created a corporate state
Corporate State = Workers and employers
work together in syndicates (one for each
industry) to set economic policies for the
nation.
Mussolini’s Effect on Italy
• Most Italians supported Mussolini
• Called Mussolini “IL Duce” (the Leader)
• Blackshirts suppressed critics
• Built up armed forces
• Solved unemployment
• Inspired patriotism
• Made the trains run on time?
• Made peace with the Catholic Church
• Lateran Accords1929
Mussolini
Propaganda
Quote
• “Fascism should
rightly be called
Corporatism as it
is a merge of
state and
corporate
power.”~ Benito
Mussolini
Mussolini and Hitler
Mussolini and Hitler
Hitler and Mussolini
had a close
relationship. In
October 1936 they
signed a nonmilitary alliance.
Mussolini signed a
full defensive
alliance with Nazi
Germany in the Pact
of Steel.
Italy during WWII
Mussolini intended to
annex Malta, Corsica, and
Tunis. He wanted to create
a “New Roman Empire.” He
annexed Albania, straining
the military. His troops
were unprepared for the
German invasion of Poland.
Italy remained neutral.
Mussolini during WWII