Benito Mussolini
By: Ellie Moore & Trenton Jackson
Background
- Mussolini was born on July 29, 1883 in Dovia di Forlì, Predappio, Italy.
- His parents are Alessandro Mussolini and Rosa Maltoni.
- Mussolini's father was a blacksmith and a socialist. His mother was a devout Catholic school teacher. He is the eldest of three children.
- He was intelligent but unrestrained and disobedient.
- His father instilled a passion for socialist politics and a defiance against authority.
- In 1901, he received a teaching certificate and worked as a schoolmaster for a brief time.
- He became editor of Avanti, at the age of 29.
- His nickname is II Duce (The Leader) or Iron Perfect.
Family
Family
- Mussolini's first wife is Ida Dalser but the marriage lasted a few months. They had a son named Benito Albino Mussolini born in 1915.
- He then married Rachele Guidi in a civil ceremony on December 17, 1915. In 1925, they renewed their vows in a religious service.
- They had 5 children named Edda Mussolini (1910), Vittorio Mussolini (1916), Bruno Mussolini (1918), Romano Mussolini (1927), and Anna Maria Mussolini (1929)
Eduacation
- The teachers at the village school could not control him so, he was sent to a boarding school in Faenza, Italy.
- He stabbed and attacked someone with a penknife because a student attempted to beat him.
- He was expelled and then was sent to the Giosuè Carducci School at Forlimpopoli.
- He was also expelled after assaulting another student with his penknife.
- He studied college at the University of Lausanne.
Eduacation
The college Mussolini went to is in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Military/Political Experience
- In 1904, he spent time in the military and was into politics.
- Mussolini’s military experience in Libya, Somalia, Ethiopia and Albania made Italy superior in the Mediterranean region.
Ideas/Philosophy
- In 1900, he was part of the Socialist Party but was expelled.
- He then formed his own government called fascism.
The fascism symbol represents a bundle of sticks featuring an axe, indicating the power over life and death.
How He felt About World War II in 1939
- He was determined "to make war at any cost."
- He didn’t have modern industry, modern armies, and popular support.
- In 1940 he pushed Italy into war on Hitler's side.
- He ignored the only meaningful lesson of World War I
Organizations and Political Parties
- On March 23, 1919 he founded the Fascist Party.
- He organized a paramilitary unit known as the "Black Shirts."
- Italy and Germany signed a military alliance known as the "Pact of Steel."
Actions
- The fascist movement proclaimed opposition to social class discrimination and supported nationalist sentiments.
- The “Black Shirts" terrorized political opponents and helped increase Fascist influence.
- The “Pact of Steel" helped with Italy's resources. Many Italians believed Mussolini’s alliance with Germany would provide time to regroup.
How He Came Into Power
- Italy was in political chaos and Mussolini declared that he could restore order and was given the authority in 1922 as prime minister.
- In 1925, he had made himself dictator, taking the title "Il Duce" ("the Leader").
Achievements/laws passed
- In February 1923, Mussolini and the Fascist Grand Council introduced the Acerbo Law.
- This law changed election results. If one party got 25%, or more, of the votes cast in an election, they would get 66% of the seats in Parliament.
- If you voted for the law, you would be fine. If you did not, then you were in danger from fascist thugs.
Form of Government
- Benito Mussolini ran a fascist government.
- Fascism is a complex ideology.
- There are many definitions of fascism, some people describe it as a type or set of political actions, a political philosophy or a mass movement. Most definitions agree that fascism promotes nationalism at all costs.
- Fascism is commonly associated with German Nazi and Italian regimes that came to power after World War I.
- The word "fasces" means an ax tightly bound with sticks, which became a symbol of the fascist movement.
How They Treated Their Citizens of Their Nation
- Fascist governments control the way people live.
- Those who criticize the government or do not obey are punished.
- They must leave the country, go to prison or are often executed.
Would He Be Considered a Good Leader
- They liked that he took control, was decisive, strong, powerful, and inspiring.
- He took a country that was poor, had social unrest, Italian pride was lost, had lack of jobs, education, and transportation.
What Role Did He Play in World War II
- Mussolini at first agreed that Italy must not go to war.
- On June 10, 1940 Italy joined the war.
- Many Italians believed Mussolini’s alliance with Germany would provide time to regroup.
- In 1940, Italy invaded Greece with some success.
These are the alliances durning World War II.
Success/Failures During the War
- The Italians had a lot of initial success and were able to capture part of East and North Africa.
- The Italians suffered a lot of losses in the fight with the Soviet Union and it was very unpopular.
Success/Failures During the War
Impact on the Outcome of the War
- Mussolini was forced to resign on July 25, 1943, and was arrested.
- German commanders later rescued him.
- Mussolini then moved his government to northern Italy, hoping to regain his influence.
Primary Source
- “From today onward we are all Italians and nothing but Italians. Now that steel has met steel, one single cry comes from our hearts—Viva l’Italia![Long live Italy!]” It was the beginning of fascism.
- "It's good to trust others but, not to do so is much better."
- "War alone brings up to their highest tension all human energies and imposes the stamp of nobility upon the peoples who have the courage to make it.”
Resources
- http://www.notablebiographies.com/Mo-Ni/Mussolini-Benito.html
- https://www.britannica.com/biography/Benito-Mussolini
- https://www.biography.com/people/benito-mussolini-9419443
- https://www.telegraph.co.uk/history/world-war-two/8733614/Benito-Mussolinis-women.html