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Italy Becomes Independent
The nationalist movement was successful in uniting Italy after years of opposing Austrian rule. Still, the Catholic church had a separate hold on the state of Rome. Despite being granted sovereignty, Italy was still a divided nation. The image depicts the so-called "unification" of the Italian nation as the country made heavy progress. -
Battle of Adwa
Ethiopian forces with support from Russia and France defeated Italian forces. This was seen as a humiliating and crushing defeat that saw Italy suffer a devastating loss against their opponent and lose the climactic battle of the First Italo-Ethiopian War -
Italian Invasion of Libya
Italy invade the Turkish colony of Libya in order to expand their influence and block French growth in the region. This was an important power play by the Italians to expand their national influence. The image consists of a map showing the areas of Libya which the Italians colonized. -
Mussolini Discarded from Socialist Party
After taking a pro-nationalist viewpoint on Italian politics, Mussolini was kicked out of the socialist party. He would go on to form his own newspaper known as The People of Italy. The image shows the beginnings of the People of Italy newspaper as the aftermath of Mussolini being kicked out of the socialist party. -
Start of the Biennio Rosso
Rising unemployment and economic recession led to a spike in militant action on behalf of industrial workers. These two years were known as the Biennio Rosso or "The Red Years" consisting of great tension, numerous amounts of strikes, and labor protests in the form of radical action. The image shows a massive labor protest taking place during this period. -
Formation of the Fascio di Combattimento
The group consisted of 118 different individuals of varying political parties coming together to form this group. These nationalists all hated liberal values and were united by this common hatred. The image is the logo of the Fascio di Combattimento. -
Mussolini forms PNF and becomes its leader
Mussolini reformed the Fascio di Combattimento and morphed it into a new political party known as the Partito Nazionale Fascista, convincing the group to elect him as leader. This was a significant power play that gave Mussolini influence. The image contains the emblem of the PNF. -
March on Rome and Mussolini's Placement as Prime Minister
Local fascist leaders began to take over various towns and regions. The March on Rome led to the government compromising with the fascist party in which Mussolini was granted the status of Prime Minister. The image shows the mass invasion of Rome by protesters in the region. -
Corfu Incident
Mussolini demanded that the Greek pay fines after the death of an Italian general on Greek soil. Despite Greek refusal, Mussolini forced them to pay by threatening them with military action. This event was significant as it helped shed Mussolini in a positive light to his people. The image shows a map of where the incident took place and the location of the Italian general's death. -
Aventine Secession
Under leadership of Giovanni Amendola, a group of politicians protested against parliament in order to remove Mussolini from power. This was following the death of Giacomo Matteoti, a well-respected socialist who was at odds with the fascist beliefs of Mussolini's party. The image shows Matteoti's corpse with people mourning, showing the clear distaste for Mussolini on behalf of some people in Italy. -
Matteotti Crisis
Due to Matteotti's well-known behavior of speaking out against socialists and their ways, it was assumed that he was abducted and murdered by the fascists. After this event, immense political distaste occurred for fascism with many turning their backs on Mussolini, thus proving to be a major setback for Mussolini's political rise. The image shows a large funeral for Matteotti as he was viewed as a respectable and heroic politician to his people. -
Pact of Locarno
A meeting between nations in which it was decided that Germany's Western Frontier would be guaranteed. In the agreement, Italy, along with Britain agreed to repel any conflict or aggression across the border. The image shows the meeting and negotiation for the treaty. -
Battle for Grain
Due to poor agricultural output, Mussolini began the battle for grain, to reduce reliance on foreign imports and to encourage farmers to produce more products. The image shows a newspaper reporting on the nationwide phenomenon and battle for grain. -
Battle for the Lira
This was a significant economic power play as Mussolini increased the value of the lira. This essentially increased unemployment in Italy and led to a recession. The image shows Mussolini agreeing to take this economic policy into action with his advisors -
Battle for Births
This policy was created to increase the population of Italy. This was encouraged through maternal benefits and paternal job opportunities, encouraging the populace to create a family and reproduce. The image shows Mussolini encouraging this policy at a rally surrounded by his militia. -
Battle for Land
Going hand in hand with the Battle for Grain, Mussolini attempted to create more farming land in order to increase agricultural output. By doing this, he hoped his country would become less reliant on trade. The image shows people creating more land in Italy. -
Kellogg-Briand Treaty
The Kellogg-Briand Treaty was an international agreement that states promised not to use war to resolve "disputes or conflicts of whatever nature". The image shows the negotiation. -
Munich Conference
Great Britain, France, and Italy agreed to allow Germany to annex certain areas of Czechoslovakia. This agreement was made in response to fear of the war that was threatened by Adolf Hitler. The image shows the decision being made among national negotiators. -
Lateran Treaty with Pope
The government accepted papal sovereignty over Vatican City, which then became an independent state. In return of this sovereignty, the pope officially recognized the Italian state, and its possession of Rome and the former papal states. The image shows the government agreeing to this. -
Abyssinian Crisis
Italy invaded Abyssinia with advanced weaponry compared to the traditional spears used by the people of Abyssinia. Abyssinia then appealed to the League of Nations which imposed economic sanctions on Italy. The image shows a map of the Abyssinian invasion. -
Stresa Front
The Stresa front was an agreement between Britain, France, and Italy that was made in Stresa Italy. This plan was anti-German as it formalized opposition to German rearmament. The image shows the agreement and national interaction taking place. -
Rome-Berlin Axis Treaty
The Rome-Berlin Axis Treatywas an agreement between Italy and Germany that linked the two countries together . The image shows the new alliance made between the two nations in order to take on the allies. -
Italy Invades Albania
The Italian invasion of Albania was a result from Mussolini's imperialistic policies as Adolf Hitler had been upstaging him. Mussolini wanted to remain a great power and Albania was defeated as their ruler was forced into exile. This image shows the occupation of Albania. -
Italy Enters WWII
Italy joined the Axis Powers in aim to take French and British colonies. This entry into war resulted in an increase in opposition towards Mussolini, and his downfall in 1943 as Italy's economic and industrial weaknesses increased. The image shows the alliance between Hitler and Mussolini -
Mussolini Brought Down by Coup
The military setbacks resulted in the Fascist Grand Council voting Mussolini from power in 1943. The king then officially ordered Mussolini to resign and Mussolini was arrested. The image shows a legal warrant for Mussolini being sent to prison. -
Death of Mussolini
Mussolini was taken by another group of partisans that was communist led while trying to escape, in which which he and his mistress were both shot and killed. The image portrays his death.
