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Benito Mussolini, leader of Italy 1883-1945. Fascism. Fascism can best be defined as the following: Totalitarianism Extreme nationalism Militarism Anti-Communist. Rise of Mussolini. Mussolini formed the Fascist party in 1919 Made up of disgruntled WW I vets
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Benito Mussolini, leader of Italy 1883-1945
Fascism • Fascism can best be defined as the following: • Totalitarianism • Extreme nationalism • Militarism • Anti-Communist
Rise of Mussolini • Mussolini formed the Fascist party in 1919 • Made up of disgruntled WW I vets • Wanted to return to the glory days of ancient Rome • Mussolini’s troops were known as “Black Shirts”
March on Rome • Mussolini and his followers marched from Naples to Rome to show their loyalty for King Victor Emmanuel • Victor Emmanuel made Mussolini Premier in 1922 to help avoid a Civil War between Communists and Fascists • Victor Emmanuel remains King of Italy, but Mussolini calls the shots
Oppression • Adopts the name Il Duce- “The Leader” • Sets up a police state, to intimidate opponents into silence • Establishes the Press Laws; all journalists must be fascists • Controls press, radio, movies and education
Conquest • Set-up a puppet regime in Albania • Controlled Libya • Conquers Ethiopia in 1936 and used chemical weapons (mustard gas and phosgene) • Helped the Spanish fascists in the Spanish Civil War
Alliance with Hitler • Signs a treaty with Hitler in 1936 • Signs another treaty with Hitler in May 1939, known as the Pact of Steel • This says that they will come to each other’s aid if one is attacked • WW II will be a disaster for Mussolini…