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Formation of an Independent Italy
The Risorgimento Movement created an independent Italian State through Italian unification. It still caused some political issues despite unifying the country as the Papacy did not support the liberal government. This image is a good representation of the event because it shows the ways in which Italy was split up prior to unification. -
Papal States Taken Over by the New Nation of Italy
With the aid of a plebiscite held in October, Italy entered the Papal states and annexed Rome and the Papal States to the Kingdom of Italy. The number of Catholics living in Italy grew, which then increased political tension between the liberal government and the church. This image is significant as it demonstrates how control was divided in Italy between north and south. -
Failure of First Italo-Ethiopian War with the Battle of Adowa (Adwa)
This war was between Italy and Ethiopia. Ethiopia was supported by Russia and France. With modern firearms and volunteers, military advisors, army training, and the sale of weapons from France and Russia, Ethiopia became superior. Initially, Italians were successful, but they were defeated after the Battle of Adwa. This image is significant as it shows the extent of modernization in Ethiopia. -
Italy invades and takes over Libya
In 1911, Italy invaded Libya and part of the Ottoman Empire. This started the Italo-Turkish War. Thus, the colony of Italian Libya was made. This supported nationalistic and imperialist Italians, because they wanted to have the most land and to be the most powerful. This image is significant as it specifies where Italy took control/invaded Libya and the Ottoman Empire. -
Mussolini begins work as editor for the Socialist Party newspaper Avanti
Mussolini worked as the editor for the Avanti after he was let out of jail for anti-war activism. The stories published were encouraging of a revolution against the liberal state. This image is significant as it gives insight into what kind of articles were published in the Avanti. This would be important to look at because it shows Mussolini's work prior to coming into power. -
Mussolini kicked out of Socialist Party for pro-nationalistic sentiments regarding WWI
Mussolini was kicked from the Socialist Party since his advocacy for Italian involvement in WWI contrasted Party’s support of neutrality. Thus, Mussolini started his own newspaper called Il Popolo d’Italia, where his views centered around nationalistic ideologies instead of socialistic. This newspaper was funded by rich Northern Italians who had similar views. This was important because it shows his perspective and support prior to coming into power. -
Treaty of London
Fascists believed that Italy should join the war to spark a revolution against the liberal control in Italy. The Italian government agreed to enter the war and signed the treaty. Italy, with the Triple Entente, fought and signed the Treaty of London because Italy could gain more land than Austro-Hungary and Germany did. This image is significant as it shows the offer made to Italy, which could have influenced their decisions. -
Beginning of Biennio Rosso
Biennio Rosso was a period of extreme social tensions and conflicts in Italy. Unemployment rose and industry workers took military action. This violence caused hatred for socialists by the upper class (cause and consequence). Eventually, it pushed them to become supporters of Mussolini and fascism since they were considered to be the opposers of socialism. This was important since it shows how Mussolini gained support overtime. This image demonstrates the violence that occurred during this time. -
D’Annunzio takes Fiume (image)
This image is significant as it marks out the areas of control across Fiume. -
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D’Annunzio takes Fiume
Gabriel D’Annunzio led armed men to Fiume and ruled for 15 months. Fiume was a part of terra irredenta. This was done in opposition of the Italian government. This event became an inspiration to Mussolini, who adopted the theatrical trappings used by D’Annunzio. This would be significant as it gives insight into Mussolini's perspective prior to his power. -
Fascio di Combattimento formed in Milan
Mussolini brought together different Arditi groups, who attacked socialists and trade unionists. This was due to contrasting beliefs. It was still wanted that nationalists and socialists come together. They tried this by publishing the Fascist Programme which combined both wings of demands. However, similarities lay with hatred of the liberal party. This image is significant as it shows violence conveyed through symbolism in the group's logo. -
Mussolini forms alliance with Giolitti
Giolitti offered an electoral alliance to the fascists once assured that a fascist revolution was not serious. It meant for a prevention of a socialist win in the May 1921 elections. Socialists were still the largest party, and the fascists got 35 seats. Fascist respectability in Italian politics increased, resulting in Mussolini announcing that the fascists don’t support Giolitti’s government anymore. This image is significant as it shows the public's feelings towards Giolitti. -
Mussolini forms the PNF (Fascist Party) and is elected its leader
Mussolini persuaded members of Fasci di Combattimento to reform to a political party. He persuaded the Fascist National Congress to elect him leader. He promised to end the truce with socialists. The ras still had some influence, but Mussolini presented himself as leader, which increased his power in Italy. This image is significant as it demonstrates again how the party's logo was an axe, further showing how important violence was. -
March on Rome and Mussolini becomes Prime Minister
During the March on Rome, the liberal government initially faced little resistance. Mussolini was to be arrested, but the King changed his mind refusing to sign. Mussolini convinced the King to appoint him as Prime Minister. Mussolini gained authority in Italian politics. This was significant because it allowed for his eventual rise as a dictator (cause and consequence). This image is significant as it shows the effect that being prime minister had on his growing support. -
Acerbo Law passed
With this, the party with the largest amount of votes ⅔ of the seats in Parliament. Fascists could take control of Parliament and impose a dictatorship. This is highly significant because it shows what enabled Mussolini to gain power. This image is significant as it shows how this law allowed the Fascists to overpower the Italian Parliament. -
Corfu Incident
The invasion of Corfu, was encouraged by Mussolini because Greece would not pay 50 million lire for the murder of an Italian general. This eventually led to Greece paying the fine. Mussolini was praised. This was important because it showed how Mussolini grew into power. -
Matteotti Crisis
Giacomo Matteotti was murdered in June 1924 after condemning fascist violence during elections. As an effect, many Italians stopped supporting Mussolini’s regime. This is significant as the public became more aware of the violent tactics used by the fascists and Mussolini. This political cartoon is significant as it demonstrates connection between Mussolini and the Matteotti murder. -
Aventine Secession
150 deputies withdrew from the Chamber of Deputies in protest of Matteotti’s murder. This was because fascists were implicated in the crime. In protest, deputies left to work on overthrowing Mussolini. This is significant as it gives a contrasting perspective to Mussolini, especially with strong fascist propaganda. Thus, there is a change in the continuity of his support, which is negative when trying to hold power. This is significant because it demonstrates how Mussolini became isolated. -
Battle for Grain
The Battle for Grain was an initiative set by Mussolini to reduce how much the country relied on imports for bread. With this, Mussolini placed high tariffs on importing bread so Italy would increase production on their own. This is highly important because with the fascist ideals Mussolini wanted to stress, this gives the positive view that this battle could've been a smart move on his part to increase nationalist views. This image is important as it shows this policy was a national affair. -
Locarno Treaty signed
The Locarno Treaty was a pact in which Germany, France, Belgium, Britain, and Italy agreed to guarantee peace in Western Europe. This stated that the frontiers set in the Treaty of Versailles would remain unchanged and that there would be no violence unless in an act of defense. This is significant as it shows a contrasting change in Mussolini’s goal to expand the Italian empire. The image is important because it exemplifies the relationship between the powerhouses in Europe -
Battle for Land and Battle for the Lira
The battle for land was an attempt to increase usable farmland. Marshes were drained and farms were publicly funded, so unemployment decreased. The battle for the lire attempted to increase the global value of the lire. These are significant as it displays how some of the economic policies established were not successful. The battle for land only reclaimed some land and the battle for the lira led to unemployment. This image is important as it explains the efforts put towards these policies. -
Battle for Births
This was a policy that was placed to increase Italy’s population to prepare for a larger future army. It targeted women because traditional housewife roles were stressed. Marriage was encouraged and women were to refrain from work. This event is important as it gives Mussolini’s perspective on certain groups: women and children. Holding back a group could be sustain his power better. This picture represents the event because it is focused solely on babies, supporting Mussolini's plans. -
Kellogg-Briand Treaty signed
This was a peace effort post-WWI that tried to eliminate war as a tool of national policy. This was created in hopes of preventing Germany from growing in aggression. The importance in this is that it displays the effect of WWI on the relationships between power countries in Europe and the rest of the world. This is also important because the treaty was not enforced thus allowing conflict to arise during WWII. This image is important because it shows how these new values were stressed globally. -
Lateran Treaty with Pope
The Lateran Treaty was one of the three Lateran agreements. The government took papal sovereignty over Vatican City. Thus, the pope acknowledged the Italian state and its possession of Rome. This is significant as it ended the conflict between church and state. Mussolini's power could be further solidified. While, there were benefits for the church as well, from a fascist perspective, this strengthens their need for independence and nationalism. This image shows the joining of church and state. -
Abyssinian Crisis (image)
This picture is very significant as it shows the drastic measures Italy took in engaging in war This gives the perspective that a powerful Italy was very content with leaving the League. -
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Abyssinian Crisis
This was a diplomatic crisis between Italy and Ethiopia because of Italy's aggression. The Welwel incident furthered the conflict. The economic sanctions by the League were against Italy. Italy ignored the sanctions and worked with France and Britain to make deals which led to the Abyssinia's annexation. This is significant as it caused Italy to work with Germany (consequence). -
Stresa Front
This was a coalition of France, Britain, and Italy. It formed in opposition of Adolf Hitler’s goal to rearm Germany against the Treaty of Versailles. This is significant as it displays the consequence of Germany’s loss of WWI and how it was not enforced properly. Although the Stresa Front soon dissolved, it still shows the great contrast between the goals of the treaties and the choices of Adolf Hitler. This cartoon is important because it demonstrates the stressed relation against Germany. -
Italian involvement with Spanish Civil War (image)
This image is significant because it shows the pervasive relationship between Italy and the Spanish Civil War. -
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Italian involvement with Spanish Civil War
Mussolini used bombers to support nationalists. The pressure from Britain’s right-wing led to an agreement in Europe where no country could intervene in the Spanish Civil War. This included Italy, even though they continued to aid the Nationalists with weapons and troops. This is significant as it shows Mussolini's desire to secure Fascist control in the Mediterranean, emphasizing the importance of his ideals. -
Rome-Berlin Axis Treaty signed
A coalition formed between Italy and Germany on October 25, 1936. Eventually, this agreement would grow to Japan and they would become the Axis Powers. This agreement is significant as it cements the Italian and German relationship. The similarities in interest lay with destabilizing the European order. Additionally, it shows the shift in Europe’s alliances. The picture is significant as it demonstrates the change and continuity between Italy's past relations and their new ones. -
Munich Conference
This was a pact between Britain, France, Germany, and Italy and it allowed Germany to annex the Sudetenland. This was a result of the threat of war from Germany. The Munich Conference is significant because it demonstrates the clear conflict and tension throughout Europe. This with the pressure of Hitler's rise demonstrates how the main powers were trying to put totalitarian states at peace. This picture significantly portrays how Hitler was able to use his relations to get what he wanted. -
Italy invades Albania (image)
This image is significant because it demonstrates the large extent of measures Italy took to invade. -
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Italy invades Albania
With Mussolini's imperialist policies, Italy wanted to invade Albania. Albania, though aware this would happen, did not know when it would occur. Italy attacked Albania’s ports leading them to fall under Italy’s control. As a result, Albania surrendered all of its land the invasion ended on April 12. This is significant because it emphasizes the importance of expanding Italy's land to Mussolini. -
Italy enters WWII on side of Germany
Italy joined WWII with the Axis due because of France's surrender. Mussolini then declared war on France and Britain because he thought that the conflict would be resolved. With the want of gaining colonies in North Africa, Mussolini joined the war. This is significant since it shows how Italy is willing to do anything for land to better itself even by turning on its own neighbor. This would fully demonstrate the emphasis on fascist ideals. This image shows a change in Italy's interests. -
Mussolini brought down by coup during WWII
Mussolini was voted out of power by his Grand Council which was the result of the meeting from the night before. It was suggested that the power should be transferred to the King and the motion was passed. Mussolini was not able to react and when he left he was immediately arrested. This is significant as it shows Mussolini’s downfall and his loss of power. This image perfectly shows how quickly Mussolini lost his support. While he was still popular, it was not for positive reasons. -
Mussolini killed
Mussolini was executed by an Italian partisan in the village of Giulino di Mezzegra in northern Italy. He was executed when he attempted to make it to the swiss border from Milan. He and his mistress were shot and their bodies were beate. This is significant as it demonstrates how extreme the contrast between how much he was praised and how brutally he was killed. Though, there are similarities in how quickly they both happened. This image portrays well how widespread it was due to his fame.
