1. Benito Mussolini
Chapter 16 – Section 3

2. Do Now: Friday 4/5/13
Take out “Ripple Effect” worksheet from yesterday – we will discuss it
Have Mussolini HW on desk – I’ll be checking it!

3. Mussolini’s Rise to Power
son of a Socialist blacksmith & a teacher.
socialist in his youth
rejected socialism after the war & replaced it with Nationalism
1919: organized veterans and other discontented Italians into the Fascist party.
In Rome they symbolized unity and authority
Mussolini was a fiery and charismatic speaker set on ending corruption and replacing turmoil with order.

4. Mussolini Gains Control
supporters were organized into “combat squads”
The Black Shirts
goal of the Black Shirts:
rejected the democratic processes in favor of violent action.
March on Rome: Mussolini marched his men to Rome demanding the removal of the government
Fascist Government goal:
crush communism & lower unemployment
Fearing civil war, King Victor Emmanuel III asked Mussolini to become Prime Minister
Named 27th Prime Minister
Rumor  Violent overthrow
Reality  King Emmanuel allowed it

5. Il Duce’s Power
1925: assumed more power & took the title Il Duce meaning “The Leader”
Suppressed rival parties, muzzled the press, rigged elections, & replaced elected officials with Fascist supporters
Fascist Vatican City:
Mussolini recognized Vatican City as an independent state
Critics of the dictatorship were exiled, executed, thrown into prison
Secret police and propaganda
All political parties outlawed – except FASCIST
Totalitarian State

6. Mussolini: Italy's Nightmare