Benito Mussolini consolidated power in Italy in the 1920s and 1930s, becoming the totalitarian leader of the country. He centralized power by inviting to form a government in 1922 and later becoming the head of state. Mussolini pursued an imperialist agenda by expanding Italy's colonies in Libya and invading Ethiopia and Albania. However, his government was ill-equipped for war due to a weak military and inefficient bureaucracy.

1. Benito Mussolini

2. Vital Statistics Born July 29, 1883 Mother was teacher Father was blacksmith Named after Benito Juarez Was a teacher, soldier, Socialist, editor, and Totalitarian Leader

3. Newspaper Editor

4. Italy of Mussolini’s Youth Italy consolidating into one country Conflict between nationalists & Church Different political movements

5. Political “Deal- Makers” ‘ Dea - Makers”

6. “ Rome is our starting-point, and Rome is our goal. Rome is our ideal, and Rome is our myth. We are dreaming of a Roman Italy, full of life and intelligence, strong powerful, and disciplined. The immortal spirit of Rome has risen again in the Fascimus. Rome is our symbol, of Rome is our military organization, our courage, and our faith.” -1922

7. Centralization of Power 1922- Invited to form a government by king 1925- Named Head of State 1929- Lateran Treaties with Catholic Church 1933- Held 7 of 14 Cabinet Positions “Corporate” Government

8. Fascistization - 1925 “Tomorrow, Italian and Fascist, rather like Italian and catholic, mean the same thing.” King was largely ceremonial, but could replace Mussolini Church accepted Mussolini, but got many concessions

9. Imperial Expansion- Creation of “ Mare Nostrum ” Re-colonization of Libya ~ 1923 Outlying Greek Islands - 1929 Ethiopia - 1935 Albania - 1939

11. Imperialist Propaganda

12. Imperialist Propaganda

13. Problems with Mussolini’s Government Had many roles, but relegated work to others They did not have full powers, and things did not get done “ Blame game” when things did not happen right

14. Problems with Mussolini’s Compromise with Church Church protected interests well Provided support, but remained independent Religious education in Fascist curriculum Catholic Youth org. was only non-Fascist program allowed in Italy

15. Problems with Mussolini’s War Plans Italian military ill-equipped for war Mussolini bound to Hitler Inept government could not supply food and products to either Italians or soldiers Mussolini relied on bluffing: Italy could “talk the talk,” but couldn’t “walk the walk”

16. How Did Mussolini Achieve and Maintain Power?

17. Blackshirts…

18. Balconies…

20. “Battles…”

21. “Battles”

22. Bilateral Agreements

23. Fin

24. Fin

25. Postscript Mussolini killed Italy occupied by Allies Italian Royal Family exiled (may be returning later this year) Italy currently has a Parliamentary government