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Birth of Benito Mussolini
Benito Mussolini was born in Dovia di Predappio, Forli, Italy to parents Alessandro and Rosa Mussolini. His father was a neglectful parent, spouse, and a devout socialist and spent most of his time with his mistress, while his mother was very religious and dedicated to her children. Mussolini grew up very poor and learned quickly that if he wanted something in life, he had to go and get it (Biography.com). -
Childhood
As a child, Mussolini was considered a bully and got in trouble often at the schools he attended. At age 10 he was expelled from boarding school for stabbing a classmate in the hand. His violent behavior resulted in him being expelled from many other schools through other disturbing acts as well (History.com). -
First Flight
The Wright Brothers successfully complete the first flight of an aircraft, a feat that would prove that eventually, humans would be able to fly airplanes. They paved the way for many others who would follow in their foot steps to create an aircraft that could successfully transport cargo and people safely (Eyewitnesstohistory.com). -
Model T
The Model T is introduced by Henry Ford and production begins. Although cars had already been invented, Henry Ford was the first person to mass produce a vehicle. Not only that, but his vehicles were affordable, which allowed many people to own their own car (History.com). -
Avanti!
Mussolini becomes editor of the Milan Socialist Party newspaper Avanti! and wrote about his opposition to war and Italy's entry into World War 1. This was Mussolini's stepping stone into the world of politics and power. The newspaper gained him popularity, which would help him with his campaign for dictatorship later on (Axelrod, Phillips 208-209). -
RMS Titanic Sinks
The largest ship in the world in its time, the Titanic was also considered one of the most luxurious of its time as well. Many famous people sailed on the voyage, as well as lower class immigrants hoping to make a new life in America and other places. The Titanic was also called the safest ship of its time as well, however, it sank due to a crash into an iceberg, and killed thousands aboard the ship (History.com). -
Service in World War 1
After much consideration, Mussolini finally enlisted in the Italian Army in World War 1 as a private. He served until he was wounded by trench mortar fragments in 1917. Once his service was concluded, he felt as though he needed to make changes to Italy's weak government, and that his time to act was now (Axelrod, Phillips 208-209). -
Founding of Italian Fascism
A socialist since birth, Benito Mussolini was expelled from the party due to his support of World War 1, which was very much against socialist values. In turn, Mussolini and other World War 1 veterans founded a revolutionary nationalistic group which they named "Fasci de combatticento" or Italian Fascism. His right-winged party heavily promoted nationalism and aimed for a brighter future, one that Mussolini hoped he could one day lead (Axelrod, Phillips 208-209). -
Fascist March
Benito Mussolini led a fascist march to Rome, which was staged as a triumphal entry into Rome when he was granted dictorial powers. This fascist march is just another example of the many propaganda tactics used by leaders following World War 1 and during World War 2 (Axelrod, Phillips 208-209). -
Dictatorship Begins
By the end of 1922, Mussolini became Prime Minister of Italy, and went on to gain even more power and become dictator of Italy in 1925. He installed a fascist government, and began to set up Italy for its future (Mulvihill 102-103). -
The Great Depression
The Great Depression in America begins when the stock market crashes due to the failure of banks. Millions lost their jobs and homes, and left many without any money or food. Poverty exploded, and jobs, if any, were extremely scarce and hard to come by. -
Salt March
Gandhi leads the Salt March, an act of civil disobedience, to protest British rule in India. Gandhi served as a roll model for many protesters later on, especially Martin Luther King Jr, becuase of his peaceful and intelligent tactics that he used to gain India's independence (Beck 739). -
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building in New York City, New York is completed and opened to the public. It is an icon of New York City, a representation of the beauty and successfulness of the city (esbnyc.com). -
World War 2
Italy entered World War 2 by declaring war on Britain and France, following Hitler's invasion of Poland. Mussolini formed an alliance known as the "Pact of Steel" with Hitler and Nazi Germany. World War 2 would go on to be known as the largest war in human history, which also came along with a large death toll of over 60 million people (Mulvihill 102-103 and Axelrod, Phillips 208-209). -
Fall of Dictatorship
His armies suffered great defeats in the war, with semi-success in taking over Albania and other meditteranean countries like Greece. Eventually, Benito Mussolini was dismissed as dictator and an order for his arrest was made, making his dictatorship come to a close for good (Axelrod, Phillips 208-209). -
Death of Benito Mussolini
Mussolini was killed by his own people along with his mistress in Mezzegra, Italy, while attempting to escape to Switzerland with German troops. Despite being disguised in a Luftwaffe uniform, he was still captured by Italian guards. Their bodies were famously hung upside-down in the Piazza Loreto in Milan to be displayed for the citizens of Italy (Biography.com).
