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Formation of an independent Italy
During the Resurgence, Italy became a sovereign state. This was a political movement that unified nations within the Italian Peninsula into the single-nationed Italy. Victor Emmanuel II (1820-1878) worked to free Italy from foreign control and later became a powerful leader for Italian unification movements. The image is significant because it interprets the role of evolved Italy from its prior fragmented states into several kingdoms and city-states. -
Papal States taken over by new nation of Italy
During the Risorgimento events, existence of these territories showed the hardships of unification. This was because Italy was divided and foreign powers negotiated to protect papal independence. The commander of the papal forces was ordered to limit its defense and avoid violence. Rome and Papal States were annexed to Italy’s kingdom resulting from the plebiscite (October). The image is significant and shows the importance of the Papal State territories and the evolution of 19th century Italy. -
Failure of First Italo-Ethiopian War with the Battle of Adowa (Adwa)
The First Italo-Ethiopian War was fought between Italy and Ethiopia from 1895-1896. The Ethiopian army conflicted with the outnumbered Italian soldiers and Eritrean askaris which forced their retreat to Eritrea. Italy was determined to contract land to Italian settlers but Italian colonization of the new colony was deemed to fail. The picture is significant because it depicts the overwhelmed Italian army when conflicted with the Ethiopians. -
Italy invades and takes over Libya
Italian troops invaded the Turkish province of Libya; starting the Italo-Turkish War. The creation of Italian Libya showed the influence of power via the powerful minority’s ability to have efficient power in the country. These actions were occupied by Italy (1911) after the Italo-Turkish War; portraying the establishment of two colonies, Italian Tripolitania and Italian Cyrenaica. The image is significant because it shows Italy’s claim to a Great Power status, as well as, its economic issues. -
Mussolini begins work as editor for the Socialist Party newspaper Avanti
Mussolini had been recognized as one of the most gifted of Italy’s young socialists. Thus, he founded a newspaper of his own- La Lotta di Classe- and with his success, he was appointed editor of the official socialist paper, Avanti. With his upheld power, he vigorously opposed Italy’s intervention in WWI and made such a thing apparent. This was significant because this newspaper became the foundation for the fascist movement in Italy after WWI and advocated militarism and sovereignty. -
Mussolini kicked out of Socialist Party for pro-nationalistic sentiments regarding WWI
In 1914, Mussolini found himself opposed with the directorate of the Italian Socialist party because he promoted the power of neutrality. This was imposed on the conflicting war of nations against absolute neutrality from the party itself. Later that month, he withdrew from the directorate of Avanti, the newspaper. The significance of these events since led him to found a new journal and serve in the Royal Italian Army after his indiscretions. -
Treaty of London
The Treaty of London was a secret treaty between neutral Italy and the Allied forces (Britain, France and Russia). The Allies hope to bring Italy into WWI because of its border with Austria for geological and political ideologies. In this, Italy was promised Trieste, northern Dalmatia, southern Tyrol, and other territories in return for a pledge to enter the war in near time. This was significant because it was a fundamental ‘law making’ treaty that was important to events leading up to the war. -
Beginning of Biennio Rosso
Biennio Rosso was a two-year period of social conflict in Italy post WWI. This was caused by the economic crisis at the end of the war; facing high unemployment and political instability. This created mass strikes, self-management exposure and worker manifestations via land/factories. The image is significant because it depicts the armed workers occupying factories in Milan, September 1920 caused by the aftermath of WWI and violent reactions of many. -
Fascio di Combattimento formed in Milan
On March 23rd, 1919, the Fascio di Combattimento (or fighting group) was established in Milan by 118 people from varying political groups. Their main goal was to bring together socialists and nationalists, a wish Benito Mussolini shared. They were able to work together due to their "common enemy" of a liberal Italian government. Pictured is the main logo that represented the political group. -
D'Annunzio Takes Fiume
Gabriele D'Annunzio was an "ultra-nationalist" who quickly overshadowed Mussolini's coalition with his army of 2,000 men. D'Annunzio led these men to Fiume, a city lost in the Paris Peace Treaties. D'Annunzio took control over the city and ruled it for 15 months. Many Italian nationalists applauded D'Annunzio and called him a hero. Mussolini was also inspired by his actions, therefore forming his army of Black Shirts. Pictured here is D'Annunzio on the Fiume stamp, signifying his power there. -
Mussolini Forms Alliance with Giovanni Giolitti
Mussolini and Giolitti formed an alliance to work together with their representatives in the government. This alliance came about as Mussolini was publicly talking about a fascist revolution in Italy to prevent Bolshevism, but behind closed doors he promised Giolitti that his talk wasn't serious. This allowed Mussolini to develop his fascist coalition in public but have the support of the government privately. Pictured here is Giolitti, the person that allowed Mussolini to take power publicly. -
Mussolini Forms the PNF (Fascist Party) and is Elected its Leader
The Partito Nazionale Fascista was formed with the old members of the Fasci di Combattimento under Mussolini's persuasion. In November, he was elected its leader. Mussolini saw the importance of forming a proper political party as essential to gaining public respect and unity amongst fascists. He promised to become more right-wing with fighting the socialists and having action squads. Pictured here is the logo of the PNF, with the center stalk representing unity surrounded by the Italian colors. -
March on Rome and Mussolini Becomes Prime Minister
The March on Rome consisted of fascist squads rioting in Northern Italy, taking over town halls, train stations, and telephone offices. The King was almost convinced to declare martial law, but refused. The King tried to satisfy the fascists wants by granting them 4 cabinet positions in the government, but Mussolini pushed for Prime Minister. 2 days later, the King appointed Mussolini the Prime Minister of Italy. Pictured here is the King and Mussolini, his source of gaining power in Italy. -
Acerbo Law Passed
The Acerbo Law, outlined by Secretary of State Acerbo under Mussolini's direction, was a new electoral law. This allowed the party that won the most votes would gain 2/3 of the seats in parliament, but had to be no less than 25% of the votes. Although this process was "legal", it allowed Mussolini and the fascists to steal the elections and gain power. In the following April elections, he used voter intimidation to ensure his win. Pictured here is Secretary Acerbo who secured Mussolini's power. -
Corfu Incident
The Corfu Incident started when an Italian general was killed in Greece while mapping disputed territory. Mussolini took advantage of the murder to demand 50 million lire from the Greek government, but refused as it wasn't the government's fault. Mussolini ordered the invasion of Corfu, and the Greeks paid the demanded money. This event caused public opinion to sway in his favor, being called a national hero. Pictured here are Italian soldiers in Corfu, invading under Mussolini's order. -
Aventine Secession
The Aventine succession was a reaction to the murder of Giacomo Matteotti in which approximately 150 Centre deputies left the Italian Chamber of Deputies. This displayed the opposition leaders had to the fascist party and Mussolini himself. This showed Mussolini's waning popularity with the people This ultimately failed as the king didn't force a resignation and less opposition allowed Mussolini to become an absolute dictator. The picture shows leaders that left during the Aventine secession. -
Matteotti Crisis
Giacomo Matteotti was a respected socialist who publicly called out the fascists for their violence and had evidence of fraud during the elections. A few weeks later, he was abducted and murdered in Rome. The public accused Dumini and his fascist army, and started to step away from Mussolini's regime. In light of this, Mussolini arrested Dumini and his gang 5 days later. Pictured here is Matteotti, a victim of Mussolini's and his fascist army's violence. -
Battle for grain
The Battle for Grain was an attempt to encourage farmers to grow more cereals in order to reduce the dependence on imports. This was achieved by increasing available farm land/ plowing orchards and vineyards, farm technology was modernized, and medals/ media coverage was provided to successful farmers. This was not entirely successful as plowing land for farms reduced the production of other goods such as olive oil and livestock. The picture shows Italian farmers collecting grain with machinery. -
Locarno Treaty Signed
The Locarno treaty was drafted on October 5-16 and officially signed on December 1, 1925. The Locarno treaty was Between Belgium, Italy, France, Germany and Britain. It guaranteed that none of these countries were able to occupy or invade one another and if they did all other countries would defend the invaded nation. This was important as Germany had only promised this on it's western border but not the Eastern border, allowing for later expansion. The picture shows discussion of the treaty. -
Battle for Land and Battle for Lira
The Battle for land included the draining of swamps and marshes, notably the Pontine marshes near Rome, to create more farm land. The creation of new farms also helped issues of unemployment. The Battle for Lira (August 18, 1926) was the restoration of the value of the Italian 'Lire' currency. This prevented rising prices and Italy to increase imports and ship building. However this dropped exports and created more unemployment. The picture shows the Italian Lira currency. -
Battle for Births
The Battle for Births was Mussolini's attempt to increase the Italian population from 40 million in 1927 to 60 million in 1950. This was attempted by downgrading women's role in society by stressing their roles as mother's, wives, and banning employment/ abortion. Young marriages were encouraged, married fathers were more likely to be hired by employers, and families with the most children in their region were awarded prizes. The picture shows Mussolini with a large family as an example. -
Kellogg- Briand Treaty Signed
Germany, France, United States, Italy signed treaty (62 nations signed) which was an agreement to never use war to settle conflicts. The only exception to this rule was that nations could go to war in self-defense. This was weakened by the Great Depression of the 1930's as both Japan and Italy began invading other nations such as Manchuria in hopes to boost their economies. The pact was ineffective as it offered no consequences. The picture shows the treaties discussion between leaders. -
Lateran Treaty with Pope
A series of secret agreements between fascists' and a Vatican official, Cardinal Gasparri. This Resulted in three Lateran Agreements that ended conflicts between the papacy and the Italian government. Vatican city was made an independent state, Rome was recognized as Italy's, 1750 lire was provided to the papacy, Catholicism was in schools, the gov. had power over bishops, and the church supported Mussolini solidifying his dictatorship. The picture shows talks w/ Italian and Vatican leaders. -
Abyssinian Crisis
This crisis took place between 1934 and 1937 about Italy’s ongoing policy of aggression with Ethiopia. After the defeat in Adowa, Italy attempted a second time to seize Ethiopia which created the outbreak in war. This directly affected the League of Nations, as they couldnt do anything, and pushed Italy even closer to ally with Nazi Germany. After the war, this withdrew Italy from the League of Nations and and it’s realignment with Nazi Germany. -
Stresa Front
The Stresa Front was an agreement between Mussolini, The French Prime Minister, and the British Prime Minister which solidified the Locarno treaties and reassured that Germany wouldn't be permitted to make any changes to Versailles. However this began to weaken after Britain and Germany signed a naval agreement which allowed Germany to expand it's navy. The treaty ended three months later when Italy invaded Abyssinia. The picture is relevant since it shows the conference that created the treaty. -
Rome-Berlin Axis Treaty signed
This was a coalition signed on October 21st, 1936 in Berlin between fascist Italy and Nazi Germany. It was formed by the Italian prime minister Galeazzo Ciano which informally connected the 2 countries to ensure their own expansionist interests. It was officially formalized later by the Pact of Steel in 1939. This axis also included Japan. This was later seen when these 3 countries fought together against the Allies during World War II. -
Italian involvement in the Spanish Civil War
Italy intervened during the Spanish Civil war to support the nationalist cause against the Second Spanish Republic. From the victory of the Second Italo-Ethiopian War, Italy had a sense of confidence and provided 660 planes, 150 tanks, 800 artillery pieces, 10,000 machine guns, and 240,000 rifles. Benito Mussolini also joined the war himself to ensure that the Mediterranean had fascist control. Italy also lent battleships which were significant during the Republican navy’s blockade. -
Munich Conference
This conference was held on September 28-29, 1938 where the leaders of Britain, France, and Italy agreed to let Nazi Germany annex areas of Czechoslovakia. More specifically, Hitler wanted the Sudetenland however, the British prime minister tried talking him out of wanting it. They all met at this conference to sign the agreement of this deal. Later, Hitler broke this promise by taking over the rest of Czechoslovakia and made the other countries look silly for allowing this to happen. -
Italy invades Albania
Italy invaded Albania around April 7 to 12, 1939 which was a campaign of the Italian Kingdom versus the Albanian Kingdom. This conflict happened due to the policies of Benito Mussolini. Albania was then rapidly overrun and was forced into exile in Greece. After Albania was then turned into part of the Italian Empire and about 11,000 Italian colonists were sent to Albania to occupy the land. -
Italy joins World War II on Germany's side
June 10, 1940, is when Italy decided to join World War II within the Axis Power group which also included Japan and Nazi Germany. Plans for Italy included concentrating troops towards the British in Africa and the Middle East. Benito Mussolini announced his decision to join World War II supporting Germany when his foreign minister - Galeazzo Ciano - bitterly opposed the idea. -
Mussolini brought down by coup
This was also known as the Fall of the Fascist Regime and Benito Mussolini, or 25 Luglio. This was plotted by King Victor Emmanuel II and Count Dino Grandi on July 25, 1943, in order to replace the regime with a new government. The Grand Council grouped to discuss Italy's future, which ultimately led to them voting Mussolini out of the government and ending the 21 of Fascism in Italy. Along with the new government in place, Mussolini was also arrested -
Mussolini Dies
Benito Mussolini was executed by an Italian partisan in a small village of Giulino di Mezzegra in northern Italy on April 28th, 1945. Mussolini and his wife, Clara Petacci, were caught trying to flee Switzerland once the Axis powers were defeated in World War II, ending them both getting shot by partisans. Historians argue that he was either shot 9 or 7 bullets based on the autopsy report that was conducted at the Institute of Legal Medicine in Milan.
