Introduction

Italy in 1919

Italians were angry about six things in 1919 (see Source 1).  They did what everybody does – they blamed the government for all these problems.

Italian Fascism

Benito Mussolini was the founder of Fascism.  He had once been a teacher!  He formed his Fascist Party in 1919.  Many ex-soldiers supported him.  He gave them a black uniform; they were called 'blackshirts'.

In 1922, Mussolini announced that his Fascists were going to march on Rome to take over the government.  All over Italy, Fascist gangs took over town halls and police stations.  The King of Italy gave in.  In October 1922 he asked Mussolini to become Prime Minister.

By 1925 Mussolini held total power as a totalitarian dictator.

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