The Rise and Fall

~Benito Mussolini~

Jeremy D. Clarke

Summary First established Fascism in Italy. Goal was to restore the Glory Italy held

during the Roman Empire. Helped form the “Axis” Alliance with

Germany’s Adolf Hitler. During his reign, he created a regime

that’s still remembered today for striping citizens of their rights and freedoms.

Violently punished those who rejected the government.

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Family Life Father was a atheist, and held strong beliefs

on social injustice. He believed that the poor should rebel against those in charge in order to succeed.

Mother was a schoolteacher and a devout catholic who wanted her children to succeed in life and said that school was the only way.

Parents named him after Benito Juarez, a Mexican Revolutionary Leader.

Benito Mussolini: His Early Years

Mussolini’s Birthplace (Now used as a Museum)

Rise To Power Exploiting post war threats of communist

revolution and Italian discontent at the terms of the treaty of Versailles, Mussolini organized various right wing clips that were merged into the Fascist party.

As Italy’s new leader, Mussolini finalized the character of his new ideology. Fascism: sought to re-create its leaders

personal vision of Italy’s imperial past. He stressed pride in the state, material prowess

and obedience to the leader.

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Rise To Power (Continued) Mussolini’s achievements were exaggerated by

propaganda and was most superficial, where he earned much international admiration, which inspired other European leaders.

Formed a non-military alliance with Hitler and NAZI Germany known as the Axis in October 1936. which later then expanded into a full defensive alliance in 1939.

As Italy’s military and economy worsened, Mussolini’s war policies became increasingly fantastic.

The war was “popular” in Europe. 1

Mussolini and Hitler in Munich

Mussolini and Fascist Blackshirt youth in 1935 in Rome.

After taking control, was often seen in a uniform.

Mussolini and Fascist Blackshirts during the March on Rome in 1922

Fall of Mussolini In June 1942, after witnessing the British's’ victory at El Alamein

and Rommel's’ rapid retreat into Tunisia, Mussolini became depressed and enraged. This was a major point in his future.

But his health also was playing a major role on his future as well. It began to decline and fail.

He then began to isolate himself… Awaiting defeat. Was presented with a demand from the Fascist Grand Council for

his resignation on his return to Italy in July 1943. Mussolini denied this so therefore he was placed under house

arrest and was forced to retire at his fate. At this time, both the German and Italian empires were collapsing.

Mussolini was captured by Italian Partisans on April 27. Him and His wife were shot and killed the following day.

Other Information Early in his life, he moved to Switzerland to avoid

military duty in 1902…. Was later arrested in Switzerland, then was deported back to Italy.

Quickly developed a linking in socialism, just like all the other leaders on the rise at the time.

Served some time in WWI. Was Italy’s 40th Prime Minister. "His Excellency Benito Mussolini, Head of

Government, Duce of Fascism, and Founder of the Empire“ was his titles he referred to himself as.

Was against Communism.

Quiz1. True Or False?

a) Mussolini was named after Mexico’s Revolutionary Leader?

b) The Axis Alliance was formed between Hitler and Stalin.

c) First established a democratic government in Italy.

Answers 1) “Lived up to his name”

2) Formed an Alliance in October 1936

3) First established Fascism in Italy on his way to power. FALSE

TRUE

FALSE

MLA Citation The Birth of Fascist Ideology, From Cultural Rebellion to Political Revolution, Zeev Sternhell, with

Mario Sznajder and Maia Asheri, trans. by David Maisel, Princeton University Press, NJ, 1994. pg 214. Print.

Hitler and Mussolini. The Secret Meetings by Santi, Corvaja translated by Robert L. Miller Enigma 2001

Howes, Kelly King and Slovey Christine. Worlld War II Biographies. Detroit: 1999. Print

Wheal, Elizabeth- Anne and Pope, Stephen and Taylor, James. Encyclopedia of the Second World War. New York: Peter Bedrick Books, 1989. Print.