Benito Mussolini, leader of Italy

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”

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

Victor Emmanuel

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…