Rise of Fascism #
Fascism was founded by Benito Mussolini in 1919. In just a few years it went from a small group to a dictatorship that ruled Italy for twenty years (1922-1943).
1. Post-War Italy #
“Mutilated victory,” economic crisis, disillusioned veterans, the “Red Two Years” (1919-1920), fear of communism among the bourgeoisie.
2. The Blackshirts (1920-1922) #
Fascist squads terrorized the country: attacking socialist offices, beating opponents, destroying left-wing newspapers — often with police complicity.
3. The March on Rome (28 October 1922) #
Thousands of Blackshirts marched on Rome. King Victor Emmanuel III refused to declare a state of siege and instead appointed Mussolini as Prime Minister.
4. The Matteotti Murder (10 June 1924) #
Socialist deputy Giacomo Matteotti was kidnapped and murdered after denouncing electoral fraud. On 3 January 1925, Mussolini took full responsibility and the dictatorship officially began: all opposition parties dissolved, press censored, opponents arrested.
Conclusion #
Fascism arose from post-war chaos, exploiting fear, anger and disillusionment. Mussolini took power through squad violence and the king’s complicity. The Matteotti murder marked the transition from democracy to dictatorship.
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