-
Formation of an Independent Italy
The Risorgimento was a political and social movement that brought unification to Italy by bringing together all the countries in the peninsula. This picture was chosen to depict all the countries that were unified into one Italy. -
Papal States taken over by new nation of Italy
The last to join Italy was the Papal states. This was a result of the Capture of Rome on September 20, 1870, was the final event and ended Risorgimento. Italy was unified through King Victor Emmanuel II ending the reign of the Papal States.This map shows the territorial changes. -
Failure of First Italo-Ethiopian War w/ the Battle of Adwa (Adowa)
A war between Italy and Ethiopia (upheld by the Russian and French) over the Treaty of Wuchale which made Ethiopiainto an Italian protectorate. Ethiopia had the help of Russia and Britain which allowed them to have better weapons and more troops. Consequently, Italy lost in Battle of Adwa and the war ended with the Treaty of Addis Ababa. -
Italy invades and takes over Libya
The colonization of Libya began when Italy invaded Tripoli on October 3, 1911. As a result, Italy was given Italy by the Ottoman sultan through the Treaty of Lausanne in 1912. This map shows Libya under Italian rule. -
Mussolini works as editor for Avanti (Socialist Party Newspaper)
Mussolini became editor of the Socialist Party newspaper Avanti! after his imprisonment for attempting to create a protest against WW1. In the newspaper, he ncouraged lots of violence against the liberal state. This also expelled many pro-royalists and liberals out of the Socialist party. This picture shows an example of the paper. -
Mussolini Kicked out of Socialist Party
Mussolini started his own newspaper, Il Popolo d'Italia to support WWI. Thus, he was kicked out of the socialist party. The chosen picture shows an example of his newspaper. -
Treaty of London
Many interventionists who were part of the fasci and were joined by the Associazione Nazionalista Italiana and the Italian Nationalist Association held demonstrations in protest of the war; however, leading liberal politicians joined anyway which was the Treaty of London. This caused further discontent in the country. -
Beginning of Biennio Rosso
The two 'red years' where industrial workers began a wave of militant action due to rising unemployment. It included strikes and the occupations of factories and land. This is significant because it played a role in Mussolini's rise in power. This image shows how many people participated in the strikes. -
Fascio di Combattimento formed in Milan
A militia of 118 men who came from many different political backgrounds was formed. This was created to bring together the nationalists and socialists. This image shows their symbol. -
D’Annunzio takes Fiume
The city of Fiume was taken over by Gabriele D'Annuzio who led 2000 armed forces. This was a result of Italy wanting Fiume but not receiving it through peace treaties. This is significant because it shows Italy's imperialist interests. -
Mussolini forms alliance with Giolitti
Mussolini had to reassure many liberals that a fascist revolution would never occur because they were content where they were. As a result, Giolitti offered an electoral alliance to the fascists for the national elections. This picture was chosen because it shows Giolitti. -
Mussolini forms the PNF (Fascist Party) and is elected its leader
Mussolini angered the ras by signing the Pact of Pacification. To appeal to them, he resigned from the Fascist Central Committee and persuaded members of the Fasci di Combattimento to form the organization into the PNF in return of ending the truce with the socialists. This picture is significant as the symbol ties all of the party together. -
March on Rome and Mussolini becomes Prime Minister
Mussolini was able to appease his militant supporters by agreeing to the March on Rome. The ras and their national militia took over roads, railways, and telephone lines to limit communication and travel. Eventually, the king resigned and appointed Mussolini as the prime minister. This is significant as it is the beginning of Mussolini's reign. The picture shown demonstrates the number of participants. -
Acerbo Law Passed
An electorate law that allowed the party with at least 25% of the votes to control 2/3 of the seats. The bill was eventually signed in November which allowed the fascists to gain more than the original 35 seats they started with. This is significant because it shows how Mussolini is willing to do anything for more control. The picture shows the man who suggested the idea. -
Corfu Incident
Mussolini demanded a 50 million lire payment and an apology due to the murder of an Italian general in Greece; but, Greece refused. Mussolini invaded Greece and eventually got what he demanded ignoring the League of Nations. As a result, Mussolini gained more popular support. This is significant because the event portrayed Mussolini as a hero in the eyes of the Italian citizens. -
Matteotti Crisis
A crisis that began when Giacomo Matteotti spoke out against the fascist violence during the elections. As a result, he was taken and killed in June. This is significant as it shows Mussolini's desire to remain in control and have the people's support. Also, it shows the consequences of speaking against fascism. This picture is significant because it shows how Mussolini tried to cover up Matteotti's death. -
Aventine Secession
150 deputies, from both the left and center, withdrew from the Chamber of Deputies in protest of Matteotti’s murder. This was a result of rumors of fascist involvement. As a result, the opposing deputies left work to try to overthrow Mussolini. This is significant because it provides evidence of police opposition since most police officers supported Mussolini. -
Battle for Grain
An initiative set by Mussolini to reduce how much the country relied on global imports for bread. In this initiative, Mussolini placed high tariffs on bread so that the production in Italy would increase. This is significant because it reveals the fascist ideals Mussolini wanted to stress to increase nationalist views. -
Locarno Treaty signed
A pact in between Germany, France, Belgium, Britain, and Italy agreed to guarantee peace in Western Europe. This treaty stated that there would be no violence between these countries unless in an act of defense. This is significant because it shows how Mussolini's imperial goals were stopped. This picture is significant as it shows one country will betray the others. -
Battle for Land and Battle for the Lira
The Battle for Land was a policy that was created in hopes of increasing Italy's farmland. This was done by draining marshes and swamps which allowed small farms to be established which were publically funded. The Battle for the Lire was an attempt to increase the value of Italy's currency, the lire. The lire was revalued so Italy’s prestige could hold and they could still import coal and iron. This is significant as it shows Mussolini's desire to improve Italy's reputation. -
Battle for Births
A policy that was created in hopes of increasing Italy's population to have a larger future army. Women were encouraged to stay in housewife positions and get married. These actions were rewarded which stressed traditional female roles. This is significant because it reveals how Mussolini targeted women during his reign. It also demonstrates how he sustained his power by enforcing his beliefs on certain demographics. This picture is significant as it contrasts what actually happened in Italy. -
Kellogg-Briand Treaty signed
A peacekeeping effort post-WWI to eliminate war through national policy. This was created in hopes of creating alliances that would prevent Germany from resurging in aggression. This is significant as it shows the WWI treaties were not enough to keep the peace and did not fulfill their duties. The picture reveals how all the countries worked together in an attempt to keep peace. -
Lateran Treaty with Pope
One of the three Lateran treaties that gave papal sovereignty over Vatican City. As a result, the pope acknowledged the Italian state and its possession of Rome. Consequently, this ended the conflict between the church and state. This is significant as it shows Mussonlini's desire for total control in Italy. -
Absynnian Crisis
This picture demonstrates Mussolini's desire for land. -
Period: to
Abyssinian Crisis
A diplomatic crisis between Italy and Abyssinia due to Italy’s aggressive policy and was caused by the Welwel incident which furthered the conflict between the two countries. The League ruled for economic sanctions. Italy ignored the sanctions, left the League, and made deals with France and Britain which led to the annexation of Abyssinia. This is significant as it undermines the credibility of the League and causes Italy to side with Germany. This photo shows Mussolini's desire for land. -
Stresa Front
A coalition between Britain, France, and Italy was created in opposition of Adolf Hitler's goal to rearm Germany against the Treaty of Versailles. This is significant because it reveals how the treaties of WWI were not properly enforced. This picture shows the three countries were teaming up against Germany. -
Italian involvement with Spanish Civil War
This picture showcases the way Italy provided during the Spanish Civil War. -
Period: to
Italian involvement with Spanish Civil War
Mussolini supported the Nationalists by providing bombers. At first, France tried to support the Republican Army; however, they were pressured by Britain’s right-wing cabinet. As a result, this led to the agreement in Europe where no country was allowed to intervene in the Spanish Civil War including Italy. Italy continued to provide aid to the Nationalists through weapons and troops. This is significant as it shows Mussonlini’s desire to secure Fascist control in the Mediterranean. -
Rome-Berlin Axis Treaty signed
A coalition formed between Italy and Germany. Eventually, this agreement would be extended to Japan and they would become known as the Axis Powers. This agreement is significant as it solidifies the relationship between Italy and Germany. Both had the common interest of destabilizing the European order. Additionally, it reveals the way Europe’s alliances changed due to the League of Nations. This picture reveals the beginning of Italy becoming a puppet state for Germany. -
Munich conference
An agreement between Britain, France, Germany, and Italy that allowed Germany to annex the Sudetenland. The Sudetenland was a region in western Czechoslovakia that had 3 million German speakers. This was a result of the threat of war from Germany. The Munich Conference is significant as it shows the tension in Europe as well as the fear of Hitler which demonstrates how the powers were willing to appease totalitarian states. This picture shows how some involved countries were excluded. -
Italy invades Albania
-
Period: to
Italy invades Albania
A military campaign by Italy to occupy Albania due to Mussolini's imperialist policies. Albania was aware of the invasion and prepared by sending out troops; however, they did not know when it would occur. Italy arrived on the coast and attacked all of Albania’s ports which led them to be under Italy’s control. Thus, Albania surrendered all of Albania and the invasion ended on April 12. This is significant as it demonstrates Mussonlini’s desire for land. This picture shows Albania being invaded. -
Italy enters WWII on side of Germany
Italy joined WW2 on the side of the Axis due to the surrender of France. Thus, Mussonlini declared war on France and Britain as he thought that the conflict would end soon. He joined the war in hopes of gaining colonies in North Africa by taking from France and Britain. 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 picture demonstrates how the rest of the world felt betrayed by Italy. -
Mussolini brought down by coup during WWII
On July 25, 1943, Mussolini was voted out of power by his Grand Council. This was a result of the meeting of the Grand Council the night before. Dino Grandi 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 picture demonstrates how the people of Italy didn't like Mussolini as they celebrated his fall. -
Mussolini Killed
Mussolini was executed by an Italian partisan in the village of Giulino di Mezzegra in northern Italy. This was caused by him running from Milan in an attempt to make it to the Swiss border; however, he was stopped. He and his mistress were shot and their bodies were dragged to a suburban square where their bodies were beaten and hit. This is significant as it demonstrates the hatred toward Mussolini. This picture was chosen because it shows Mussolini prior to his death.
