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Formation of an independent Italy
Began in 1861 with the unification of Italy under the House of Savoy into the Kingdom of Italy. This unified Northern Italy with Southern Italy. The picture below, although modern, represents unification of Italy under one government through the government building and the Italian flag. -
Papal States taken over by new Nation of Italy
Italy entered the Papal States in September 1870 and through the backing of a plebiscite in October of that year, Italy was able to annex the Papal States. The picture, although Mussolini was not in charge of the Italian government at the time, represents Italy taking over the Papal States, through showing the Papal States and a figure head, which represents Italy. -
Failure of First Italo-Ethiopian War with the Battle of Adowa (Adwa)
The Italian army on March 1, 1896 planned to surprise attack the Ethiopians in their sleep, but to their surprise they were awake and fully prepared to attack. The Italians ended up being overpowered and outnumbered by a well-armed Ethiopian force. This led to the Italian’s loss in the war. The picture represents the Battle of Adowa, and shows the fighting of the Ethiopians and the Italians. -
Italy invades and takes over Libya
Italian troops invaded Libya in October 4, 1911. They captured Tripoli, the capital of Libya, from Turkish troops the next day. Libya was formally annexed on November 5, 1911.The picture depicts the damage caused by the Italians to the people within Libya. -
Mussolini begins work as editor for the Socialist Party newspaper Avanti
In 1912, Mussolini began to work as an editor for the newspaper Avanti, which translates to ‘forward’ in English. Previously Mussolini was considered as one as Italy’s youngest and most dangerous socialists, and even founded his own newspaper called Lo Lottia di Classe. His success allowed him to be appointed as an editor for Avanti and made the circulation of the newspaper double. The picture depicts a cover for the Avanti newspaper, representing the socialist ideals (that's displayed on cover) -
Mussolini kicked out of Socialist Party for pro-nationalistic sentiments regarding WWI
In October 1914, Mussolini wanted Italy to join WW1, which put him at odds with the Socialist Party, due to his pro-war advocacy. This eventually got him expelled from the Socialist Party because they had a neutrality stance during WW1 compared to Mussolini’s ideals. The picture represents the mixed feelings that Mussolini probably felt: sadness, anger, and shock. -
Treaty of London
On April 26, 1915 a secret agreement between Great Britain, France, Italy, and Russia was signed. This brought Italy into the side of the Triple Entente. This was the Treaty of London. The picture demonstrates how Italy specifically changed sides during the war because the Triple Entente was giving them a better deal within the Treaty of London. -
Beginning of Biennio Rosso.
In 1919, intense social conflict occurred within Italy following World War I, known as Biennio Rosso (“ The Two Red Years”). This was caused by the economic crisis within Italy, which was caused by the war. This lead to unemployment and inflation to increase, as well as political instability within Italy. Bienno Rosso ended in 1920. The picture depicts people during Bienno Rosso, the communist symbol in the picture as well demonstrates the political disunity within Italy during Bienno Rosso. -
Fascio di Combattimento formed in Milan
Ultranationalist Italian fascist organization created in 1919 by Benito Mussolini after WWI. This picture of Mussolini's newspaper Il Popolo d'Italia is connected in the way that it is closely associated with the Fascio di Combattimento because of how it was used to gain allies and support for the movement. -
D’Annunzio takes Fiume
On September 12, 1919, D’Annunzio led the seizure of Fiume with 2,000 Italian nationalists forcing the withdrawal of occupying forces. He wanted to annex Fiume, but was denied, so he declared it an independent state with him as the leader. However, after ignoring the treaty of Rapallo, he was forced to surrender it to Italy. This illustration is of D'Annunzio entering Fiume and represents the initial support he recieved. -
Mussolini forms the PNF (Fascist Party) and is elected its leader
The Partito Nazionale Fascista (National Fascist Party), or PNF was a political party formed by Mussolini in November of 1921 which solidified a more coherent fascist political group. This image is relevant, as it is their party emblem. -
Mussolini forms alliance with Giolitti
Formed in 1921, the national bloc included the electoral list of the liberal former prime minister Giolitti, the Fascio di Combattimento led by Mussolini, and the Italian Nationalist Association led by Enrico Corradini. It was a right-wing coalition of political parties formed for the general elections. This 1911 satirical cartoon of Giolitti represents how his policy often aimed to appease both sides without taking a strong stance, similarly to how he supported Mussolini at first. -
March on Rome and Mussolini becomes Prime Minister
The March on Rome was a coup led by Mussolini on October 28, 1922 where around 30,000 fascists attempted to completely transfer power to the Fascist Party. Although they did not entirely achieve this, the King handed power to Mussolini on October 30, making him Prime Minister. This picture of Mussolini surrounded by blackshirts during the March on Rome is significant as it visually portrays Mussolini's violent and forceful methods of gaining power. -
Acerbo Law passed
The Acerbo law (passed by parliament in November 1923) was an electoral law proposed by Giacomo Acerbo that aimed to ensure Mussolini’s fascist party would win the 1924 general election by stating that whoever got the largest share of votes would gain 2/3 of the seats in parliament. This image shows a visual of what 2/3 looks like, representing how this law granted 2/3 of the parliament seats to the election winnner. -
Corfu Incident
The Corfu incident (August-September 1923) occurred when an Italian general was murdered in Greek territory and Mussolini responded by issuing an ultimatum to Greece. When it was not entirely accepted, he dispatched forces to bombard and occupy Corfu, defying the League of Nations and threatening to leave if arbitrated. This 1923 cartoon from a british magazine shows Mussolini and Poincare (French Foreign Minister) discussing the Corfu incident, highlighting their occupationist tendencies. -
Matteotti Crisis
The Matteotti Crisis was a political confrontation between liberals and the fascist government between May-June of 1924. It began as a result of the assassination of Giacomo Matteotti (a socialist leader) that occurred because he spoke out against the fascists’ use of violence. The public reacted negatively towards Mussolini, leading to the Aventine succession. This photo taken during a discussion of the Aventine Succession represents the significant backlash that the murder caused. -
Aventine Secession
The broken chain symbolizes the breaking free from the oppressive control and dominance of the patrician class. It represents the plebeians' desire for autonomy, independence, and the establishment of their own assembly on the Aventine Hill. The broken chain also symbolizes their liberation and the pursuit of a more equitable political system in ancient Rome. -
Locarno Treaty signed
The handshake symbolizes the spirit of reconciliation, cooperation, and peaceful resolution of territorial disputes among the three nations. It further signifies the commitment to peaceful diplomacy and the establishment of mutual trust and understanding, which were key objectives of the Locarno Treaty in securing peace in Europe after the aftermath of World War I. -
Battle for Births
The flower represents the birth rate, while its withered state symbolizes the decline and lack of success in achieving the desired increase in births. This symbolizes the failure of the campaign's incentives and propaganda to effectively stimulate population growth and highlights the challenges faced in addressing demographic concerns and encouraging family growth. -
Battle for Grain
The hands represent the government's active involvement and initiatives, while the flourishing field symbolizes the desired outcome of increased agricultural production. This symbolizes the collective effort and dedication in cultivating the land to achieve self-sufficiency in food production, ensuring a stable and secure food supply for the nation. -
Battle for the Lira
The arrow symbolizes the goal of upward movement and growth, reflecting the objective to stabilize and strengthen the Italian lira. It represents the efforts made to improve the value and stability of the currency, aiming for a positive trajectory and economic progress. -
Battle for Land
On one side of the scale represents large landowners and the other side represents landless peasants. This symbolizes the goal of achieving a more equitable distribution of land through land reform and redistribution, balancing the interests of different stakeholders. -
The Kellogg-Briand Treaty
The two hands symbolize the agreement and cooperation among nations, reflecting the commitment to renounce war as an instrument of national policy. This simple symbol signifies the shared pursuit of peace and the belief in resolving conflicts through peaceful means. -
The Lateran Treaty
The key represents the establishment of Vatican City as an independent city-state, signifying the sovereignty and autonomy granted to the Holy See. The dove, symbolizing peace, represents the resolution of long-standing tensions between the Catholic Church and the Italian government, emphasizing the peaceful and diplomatic nature of the treaty. Together, the key and the dove symbolize the harmonious coexistence and mutual respect achieved through the Lateran Treaty. -
Abyssinian Crisis
The clenched fist symbolizes the resistance and determination of Abyssinia to defend its sovereignty against the Italian aggression. This simple symbol encapsulates the spirit of defiance and the struggle faced by Abyssinia during the crisis. -
The Stresa Front
The torch symbolizes enlightenment, hope, and the pursuit of peace. The multiple hands represent the unity, cooperation, and shared responsibility of the nations involved. This symbolizes their collective determination to shed light on the issues caused by Germany's rearmament and to work together toward a peaceful resolution. -
Italian involvement with Spanish Civil War
The crossed sword and shield represent Italy's military intervention and support to the nationalists in Spain. They symbolize Italy's active participation in the conflict, providing crucial assistance to the rebel army. The crossed sword and shield signify Italy's determination to aid their allies and contribute to the desired outcome. -
Rome-Berlin Axis Treaty signed
The interlocking gears represent the alliance and collaboration between Italy and Nazi Germany. They symbolize the close coordination and mutual support between the two nations, working together to pursue shared goals and objectives. The interlocking gears signify the strength and synergy resulting from their partnership. -
Munich Conference
The puzzle piece represents the complex diplomatic negotiations that took place during the conference. It symbolizes the intricate puzzle of international relations and decision-making. The missing segment of the puzzle piece signifies the controversial decision to allow Nazi Germany to annex the Sudetenland. The symbol highlights the incomplete resolution and the sacrifices made during the conference in an attempt to maintain peace. -
Italy invades Albania
The boot represents the Italian military might, symbolizing their aggressive action. The map represents Albania showing how the country being invaded, emphasizing the territorial occupation. The symbol captures the forceful nature of Italy's invasion and the impact on the sovereignty of Albania. -
Italy enters WWII on the side of Germany
The crossed flags symbolize the alliance and joint military effort between the two countries. They represent Italy's alignment with Nazi Germany in the war, signifying their shared objectives and collaboration. The symbol serves as a reminder of the significant role Italy played as a Axis power during the conflict. -
Mussolini brought down by coup during WW II
The fasces, a symbol of Fascist Party in Italy, represents Mussolini's rule and authority. The fasces in this context symbolizes the collapse of his regime due to the internal coup. It signifies the end of his leadership and the significant political changes that followed during the war. The shattered fasces serves as a reminder of the swift and dramatic turn of events that reshaped Italy's trajectory. -
Mussolini killed
The black armband is a traditional symbol of mourning and signifies the end of Mussolini's life and leadership. It represents the somber moment when his reign came to an abrupt halt. The black armband serves as a reminder of the historical significance of Mussolini's demise and the subsequent impact on Italy's political landscape.