Mussolini
Born 1883 in Northern Italy
Was a socialist before WWI
Edited the socialist newspaper, Avanti
Was expelled by the socialists for supporting Italy entering WWI
Joined the Italian army in 1915, got injured, had to leave in 1917
After WWI, became an extreme nationalist, totally opposed to capitalism
Formed the Fascio di Combattimento / Blackshirts – armed, uniformed gangs of ex-soldiers who fought against communists
These formed with other right wing groups to form the Fascist Party
1922, became Prime Minister and by 1926 ad become fascist dictator of Italy (Acerbo Law allowed him to rule by decree)
Used propaganda to develop a cult of personality
Outlawed opposition parties and formed a Corporate State (business focussed)
Negotiated the Lateran Treaty with the Pope – gave autonomy to the Vatican in return for Catholic support
1930s, allied with Hitler, introduced anti-Semitism, brought Italy into WWII and was killed by Italian communists in 1945
Was a socialist before WWI
Edited the socialist newspaper, Avanti
Was expelled by the socialists for supporting Italy entering WWI
Joined the Italian army in 1915, got injured, had to leave in 1917
After WWI, became an extreme nationalist, totally opposed to capitalism
Formed the Fascio di Combattimento / Blackshirts – armed, uniformed gangs of ex-soldiers who fought against communists
These formed with other right wing groups to form the Fascist Party
1922, became Prime Minister and by 1926 ad become fascist dictator of Italy (Acerbo Law allowed him to rule by decree)
Used propaganda to develop a cult of personality
Outlawed opposition parties and formed a Corporate State (business focussed)
Negotiated the Lateran Treaty with the Pope – gave autonomy to the Vatican in return for Catholic support
1930s, allied with Hitler, introduced anti-Semitism, brought Italy into WWII and was killed by Italian communists in 1945