Mussolini’s rise to power and Fascism in Italy

Italy had emerged from World War I in a poor and weakened condition and, Inflation, huge debts and a prolonged downturn occurred after the war. in 1920, Italy was gripped.by mass unemployment, food shortages, and strikes as well.

During the First World War, the rise of fascism in Italy began, when Benito Mussolini and other leftists founded a political party called a fasci. The first meeting of the political party Fasci of Mussolini was held in January, 1915

Mussolini believed that while retaining capitalism and private property, fascism would end political corruption and labor strife.

The fascists responded to the desire of Italians for social security, unity, and protection from the crisis of capitalism. Therefore, they vowed to restore order, safeguard private property and foster growth, but also defend society from economic downturns and disruption.

The fascist movement in Italy wanted a revolutionary government that, when necessary, would transform Italy by using force.

Mussolini’s rise to power
After World War I, fascism emerged in Europe as many people yearned for national unity and strong leadership. In Italy, Benito Mussolini used his charisma to create a strong fascist regime.

Benito Mussolini made a name for himself as a charismatic figure whilst working in Switzerland,. After returning to Italy, he amassed a large following as an editor for the Avanti magazine.

In 1919, a coalition of veterans and discontented Italians were assembled into the Fascist party by Mussolini. The word fascism was coined by Benito Mussolini in 1919 to describe his revolutionary movement.

Benito Mussolini and the Fascist Party ascended to power in Italy in 1922. Fascism was a response to the perceived failure of free market capitalism and a profound fear of communism, believing in a powerful central government and tight regulation of business and the people.

Mussolini claimed that the people could be united only by a powerful leader to resolve Italy’s post-war mass unemployment, chaotic political party struggles, and socialist and communist strikes.

In 1922, Italy appeared to be falling into political turmoil. The fascists marched on Rome and Mussolini presented himself as the only man capable of restoring order. King Victor Emmanuel invited Mussolini to form a government.

By using authoritarian rule and feeding on the fear of communism, Mussolini tried to re-create the Great Roman Empire. To curb criticism and to promote Fascism, Mussolini used violence. In 1939, Hitler and Mussolini signed the Steel Pact , creating an alliance known as the Axis powers during WWII

Mussolini attempted to extend Italian fascism’s sphere of power and establish an Italian empire in North Africa. He conquered Libya in 1913 and captured Ethiopia in 1935.

Mussolini’s declaration of war against Britain and France in 1940, however, revealed his military weakness and was followed by a series of defeats in North and East Africa and the Balkans. Allied troops landed in Sicily in July 1943.

Benito Mussolini, Italy’s fascist dictator, was voted out of power in July 1943 and arrested after leaving a meeting with King Vittorio Emanuele, who told him the war had been lost.

Thus culminating the end of fascism in Italy. The Fascist government in Italy lasted from 1922 to 1943 with Benito Mussolini as Prime Minister of Italy.