As Stalin established firm control over the Soviet Union, another dictator rose to power
in Europe.
Who was Benito Mussolini?
What type of government did he implement?
During the 1920s, Benito Mussolini established a totalitarian regime in Italy.
A powerful and persuasive speaker, Mussolini played on public dissatisfaction with high
unemployment, inflation, and frequent labor strikes, as well as fear of communist influence
in politics.
Mussolini took advantage of the unstable situation by appealing to Italy’s wounded national
pride.
He won the support of many Italians by promising to address the economic suffering and the
threats posed by communism.
In 1921, Mussolini established the Fascist Party.
Fascism is a political ideology that stresses extreme nationalism and places the interest
of the nation above that of the individual.
Fascism also emphasizes the need for a strong leader with the power necessary to address
and eliminate the nation’s problems.
In October of 1922, Mussolini led 30,000 of his followers, known as “Black Shirts,”
in an event known as the March on Rome.
When many of the police, military, and government officials refused to stop the movement, the
Italian king appointed Mussolini to lead the government.
Rather than going by the title of prime minister, Mussolini referred to himself as “Il Duce,”
meaning “the leader.”
Mussolini was granted “emergency powers” that were to last for only one year, but in
doing so, the Italian parliament unknowingly established a dictatorship that would last
for the next 20 years.
Unlike Stalin, who used harsh methods to maintain control over his people, Mussolini sought
to win public support.
Mussolini praised the Italian people and their past, stirring up emotions by adopting much
of the imagery of the Roman Empire.
Mussolini glorified the nation’s workers and the middle class while promising to restore
Italy to its former position as a world power.
Under fascist rule, Italy had a balanced budget, inflation was eliminated, and the railway
system was modernized.
However, much of the success stemmed from the fact that Mussolini silenced his opposition.
Opposing political parties were disbanded, while the press, radio, and film were used
to distribute a ceaseless flow of propaganda.
Over time, the fascist extended their control to every aspect of Italian life.
The school system was used to indoctrinate children into the fascist ideology.
Students wore black uniforms and the concepts of discipline, duty, and obedience were emphasized.
Mussolini also hoped to enhance Italy’s role on the world stage and preached that
it was natural for strong nations to conquer weaker ones.
Ethiopia, one of the few remaining independent nations in Africa, became his first target.
Haile Selassie, the Emperor of Ethiopia, pleaded with the League of Nations for support as
thousands of Italian soldiers prepared to invade in 1935.
The League of Nations responded with a modest economic boycott of Italy and offered no military
assistance as Selassie was forced to flee.
Ethiopia was conquered and officially annexed by Mussolini in May of 1936.