Mussolini and Fascist Italy (All Dates w/ Only Month + Year Available Have the Day as the 1st Unless Stated Otherwise)
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Formation of Independent Italy
Previously Italy was made of several city-states occupied by various European powers. Military revolution eventually led to the unification of these smaller powers. While under an official unified identity, 'Italians' identified more with their city-states than the country. There were major wealth and economic divides between the north and south. The image is significant for showing the smaller territories before unification. -
Papal States Taken Over by New Nation of Italy
The Papal States were joined in later due to the stronger power of the Pope and Catholic Church. There was also the French occupancy in these regions which further limited the Italian unification. The Franco-Prussian War resulted in the French leaving the region and Italy declaring war on the states. These regions would continue to be fought over between Italy and the Church until the Lateran Treaty with the Pope in 1929. The image is significant for showing what the Papal States added to Italy. -
Failure of First Italo-Ethiopian War with the Battle of Adowa (Adwa)
This event actually occurred on March 1, 1896. The Battle of Adowa was the climax in the First Italo-Ethiopian War where the outnumbered and less experienced Italian forces lost to the Ethiopian forces supported by Britain and France. This was an initial failure in Italy's desire for expansion into Africa. Because of this war, Ethiopia kept it's independence for 4 more decades. It was the 1st in a series of military disappointments. The image is significant for showing the humiliation of Italy. -
Italy Invades and Takes Over Libya
Italy invaded Libya with promise of resources like mineral and water as well as a lack of defenses. Despite opposition from Socialists, their lack of unification was unable to stop the invasion. The success was seen as easy, but it did start the Italo-Turkish war. It also cost much more than expected, from 30 mil lira to the actual 80 mil. The image is significant for showing the ease in victory in Italy's takeover of Libya. -
Mussolini Begins Work as Editor for the Socialist Party Newspaper "Avanti"
Mussolini was initially a socialist who especially cared about the class divide in Italy. He was a prominent member of the Socialist Party initially and had a moderate influence. World War 1 eventually changed Mussolini's view of the importance of the class system. His influence on the paper had a positive impact on its popularity with it doubling in circulation. The image is significant for showing the socialist standing of the paper. -
Mussolini Kicked out of Socialist Party for Pro-Nationalistic Sentiments Regarding WWI
WWI Changed Mussolini's perspective to focus more on Italian nationalism rather than class equality. He, along with other socialists, shifted over to nationalism in hopes for Italian's expansion to an extent of power meeting that of the late Roman empire. For his growing support for WWI, he was kicked out of the socialist party. This led him to lead his own political party centered around fascism. The image is significant for showing the views of the Socialist Party at the time. -
Treaty of London
The Treaty of London was signed so that Italy would join the side of the Entente powers with the goal of territorial expansion into Austrian and African territories. Although Italy had a previous alliance with the Central Powers, they denied giving the land. There was internal opposition, but nationalist push for war was greater. These treaties would never be fulfilled, inciting the ultra-nationalism of fascism. The image is significant for showing the possible territorial gain of Austrian land. -
Beginning of "Biennio Rosso"
The Bienno Rosso was a period of communist uprising in Italy. Part of Russia's goal of international communist revolution, the "red years" saw an attempt to take control of the liberal government. Alongside the rise of communist views there was the rise of fascist violence against it. The Bienno Rosso is what allowed fascism to have a unified and supported front. The image is significant for showing the extent of power the communist ideology gained in Italy during the period. -
Fascio di Combattimento Formed in Milan
Mussolini formed this political group following leaving the Socialist Party. Former socialists joined it in support of ultra-nationalism and the return of Italy to the glory of the Roman Empire. It still supported socialism, just not Marxism. It would begin the start of the Fascist Party and its path to power. The image has a symbol of straw wrapped together to represent unity and strength. -
D’Annunzio takes Fiume
Due to the "mutilated victory" of WWI, Gabriele D'Annunzio decided to take over and occupy the city of Fiume, which was promised in the Treaty of London. D'Annunzio would hold onto Fiume for two years before being taken over once more. D'Annunzio would grow to be one of Mussolini's biggest inspirations in his push for Fascist power in Italy. It also was another factor in Italy's growing nationalism. The image is significant for showing the inspiring nature of Fiume's takeover. -
Mussolini Forms Alliance with Giolitti
To continue fascist violence and growth, Mussolini formed an alliance with the liberal government, He assured there would be no fascist takeover. The two worked together to remove socialism in Italy. While initially unsuccessful, Mussolini continued to use his relationship with liberals for the growth of the fascism. The liberal leaders saw Mussolini as persuadable, but the liberal government was seen as weak. The image here is of Giovanni Giolitti, the prime minister at the time. -
Mussolini Forms the PNF (National Fascist Party) and is Elected its Leader
To formally turn the Fascist Party into a political one, Mussolini created the PNF. This party was recognized as an official political party and had power in the Italian government. Mussolini led the party, supportive of its growth despite the greater socialist influence in the government. This was also the beginning of giving fascism wider appeal. Like the image of the CdF, the PNF also shared the image of the straw tied together to represent a strong, unified front. -
March on Rome and Mussolini Becomes Prime Minister
Until 29 October, 1922. Mussolini was pushed by more militant fascists to start a coup against the Italian government. While hesitant, he went along to keep his support. While initially unsuccessful, the king allowed for the fascist takeover and granted Mussolini the role as prime minister. While fascist influence was still limited, this allowed Mussolini to form a more personal dictatorship. The image gives insight to the support of fascism at the time and possibly why the coup succeeded. -
Acerbo Law Passed
Before the Acerbo Law, no one political party had control of the majority. The Acerbo Law allowed a party to gain 2/3 of the government's seats if at least 25% of the vote was gained. This allowed for the fascist party to gain control over the government following the 1924 election. Of course, there was some meddling with the vote through fascist violence. The image is of Giacomo Acerbo, the proposer of the law. -
Corfu Incident
Until 27 September, 1923. After an Italian general was killed in Greek territory, Italy gave ultimatum that wasn't accepted. Italy declared war and occupied Corfu. Even though this went against the League of Nations, Italy ended up winning. This was a show of both the LoN weakness and Italy's growing strength. The image is of the island of Corfu in relation to the full nation of Greece. -
Matteotti Crisis
Until 3 January, 1925. The Matteotti Crisis took place when Giacomo Matteotti was kidnapped and killed after publicly going against Mussolini. Despite Mussolini punishing those guilty and denying his involvement, he was suspected for inciting the attack. The crisis resulted in a push against Mussolini, but it was eventually suppressed. It also resulted in Mussolini being solidified as a dictator in Italy. The image represents the extent of Matteotti's influence. -
Aventine Secession
The Aventine Secession was the removal of opposition to the fascist party in Italy. The Acerbo Law gave the fascist party a 2/3 majority, and the Matteotti Crisis further suppressed opposition to the growing fascist influence. There was a liberal boycott, and the King dismissed his power to Mussolini. It also featured a major reformation of the government, as several government members like General De Bono were replaced. The image is of Emilio De Bono, one of Mussolini's removed supporters. -
Battle for Grain
The Battle for Grain was a push for cereal production in Italy by re purposing pastures and other farmland. Those with high cereal production were also rewarded. It coincided with other "battles" with the goal of autarchy (self-sufficiency), so Italy wouldn't have to rely on imports. While somewhat successful (9% increase), Italy ended up having to rely more on imports for other goods like olives. The image is of Battle for Grain propaganda, showcasing Mussolini's desire for cereal autarchy. -
Locarno Treaty Signed
This event actually occurred on December 1, 1925. This treaty covered the grounds for reforming relations between Germany and the European powers. Germany became a member of the LoN and returned to its previous prestige. Gustav Stresemann led the series of agreements which would compromise with the French, British, and Russians desires at the expense of nations like Poland and Czechoslovakia. Mussolini was in support of the treaty. The image is of Mussolini's support in his arrival in Locarno. -
Battle for Land and Battle for the Lira
The Battle for Land featured the converting of wetlands into farmlands for greater self-sufficiency. It was successful, but the extent of land converted wasn't great. The Battle for the Lira featured increasing the value of the currency for international trade. While international trade was stabilized, prices raised resulting in greater unemployment. The image shows the Pontine Marshes (converted land) in relation to the rest of Italy. -
Battle for Births
The Battle for Births was a push to increase Italy's population for greater military strength and a larger workforce. This went alongside the desire for a Italian empire like that of the Roman Empire. Having more children was pressured and rewarded through taxes and limiting women's opportunities. Despite this, birth rates actually decreased between 1924 and 1950. The image showcases both the support for greater children and the subjugation of women's roles as mothers. -
Kellog-Briand Treaty Signed
The treaty was signed as a way to promise peace in the future by settling conflicts through other means. The treaty was seen as unsuccessful for not stopping the growing militarization. It is also seen more as a moral document rather than one on foreign policy. It was often taken advantage of by Mussolini and Hitler for unchecked growth. The image is of the signed treaty / pact, where the signatures of the world leaders can be seen. -
Lateran Treaty with Pope
The Lateran Treaty made Catholicism the official religion of Italy and gave Vatican City independence. This move gave Mussolini more support from the Church. Considering the majority of the country was Catholic, widening the range of appeal was one of the biggest priorities for Mussolini. While there would still be conflict between fascists and the Church, this treaty created a formal relationship between the two. The image showcases the formal relationship between the Pope and Mussolini. -
Stresa Front
The Stresa Front was an attempt to restore the rule of the Treaty of Versailles by preventing Austria and Germany from uniting. Triggered by German militarization, it was seen as a way to limit Hitler's power. It eventually fell apart from the Anglo-German Naval agreement and the Abyssinian Crisis. Mussolini was especially stubborn about the front against Hitler. The political cartoon showcases the front; it was often described as a card-game like situation. -
Abyssinian Crisis
Until 9 May, 1936. Italy invaded Abyssinia in its quest for imperialistic expansion. The LoN was against Italy's actions and imposed economic sanctions, but Italy continued to take over and unofficially occupy Ethiopia. Ethiopia declared war on Italy, but not vice versa. This expansion fueled the German-Italian friendship that would be seen in WWII. The image showcases the Italian takeover of Abyssinia from the north and east. -
Italian Involvement in Spanish Civil War
Until 1939. Considering the republican and nationalist split in Spain, Italy supported the nationalist forces trying to take control. Nazi Germany also supported the nationalist forces, while the Soviet Union and Mexico supported republican forces. This war coincided with the Abyssinian Crisis and Mussolini's continued growth of international fascism. This again strengthened the relationship between Italy and Germany. The image represents the growing Italian influence in the conflict. -
Rome-Berlin Axis Treaty Signed
This was a formal alliance treaty between Germany and Italy as united fascist powers. Before Italy sided with France and Britain, but this was the confirmation for Hitler and Mussolini's relationship as fascist leaders. The shift in international relations was mainly kick started by Italy's actions in the Spanish Civil War and Abyssinian Crisis. They would also remain united when WWII began. This image shows Mussolini and Hitler next to each other under a unified belief in fascism. -
Munich Conference
Until 30 September, 1938. In this agreement Germany was given the Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia to prevent Hitler's claims for war. Italy had supported the side of Germany during the conference, Mussolini claiming it himself. This did not prevent the war because Hitler continued to invade the country. When the European nations began to mobilize against Germany, Italy reacted likewise against them. This image shows Mussolini and Hitler side-by-side at the conference. -
Italy Invades Albania
Until 12 April, 1939. Italy long wanted Albania since it was once part of the Roman Empire and had valuable strategic points like the port of Vlore. It was a quick victory as Italian forces overpowered Albanian forces. It coincided with Germany's annexation of Austria and invasion of Czechoslovakia. While Italy attempted to peacefully annex Albania, the ultimatum was suppressed and denied. The image showcases the overwhelming Italian forces in Albania. -
Italy Enters WWII on Side of Germany
Italy declared war against France and Great Britain in order to support Germany as one of the Axis powers. Italy didn't initially enter due to a lack of resources, but Germany's early successes such as with occupying Paris gave Mussolini the confidence to take part. Italy didn't actually mobilize until after the war declaration was given. Like WWI, Italian forces weren't very effective. The image showcases the series of events that kick started WWII. -
Mussolini Brought Down by Coup During WWII
A series of losses by Italy during WWII and growing opposition to Mussolini eventually led to another coup to overthrow him. The coup was successful, taking down the government and capturing Mussolini. Mussolini eventually escape with German paratroopers, and Italy surrendered. This coup brought the fascist rule of Italy to an end. The image showcases Italy's surrender under the new government. -
Mussolini Killed
After the coup, Mussolini was rescued by German paratroopers. Hitler gave him control over previous northern Italian territory still under fascist rule. Although he was given formal control over this land, it was mainly controlled by German forces still. Mussolini eventually was captured again, this time publicly executed with his wife. The image shows Mussolini's public execution.
