Mussolini's rise to power

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Mussolini's rise to power
        "Mussolini's rise to power began in World War One with the involvement of Italy on behalf of the Allies. There was great dissent over whether or not such involvement was necessary or beneficial, and the Socialist Party opposed the addition of Italian Arms to the forces of the Allies. Benito Mussolini, a prominent Socialist journalist, originally agreed with his party in regards to the war, but several months after the start of the war he changed his opinion and left the Socialist Party. After leaving the Socialist Party he founded a fascist newspaper, Popola d'Italia, and several fascist groups, the Autonomous Fascists, the Constituent Fascists, the Revolutionary Fascists, and the Fighting Fascists. When the war ended, Italy was hit with an economic crisis along with vast amounts of social unrest, the result of participation in the war. Many Italians, including Mussolini, felt that the Treaty of Versailles, which did not give Italy the lands it had been promised when it entered the war on the side of the Allies, was unfair. In October 1922, the infamous March on Rome occurred. Mussolini commanded his forces from a post in Milan and ordered them to seize power in Rome. King Victor Emmanuel, fearing that the March on Rome would lead to a civil war, gave Mussolini the post of Prime Minister. Between 1925 and 1927, he began to consolidate his dictatorship by doing away with all opposing press and non-fascist parties. He also created the OVRA, a secret police force, and made the government entirely fascist. People began to call him Il Duce, meaning leader.

        Mussolini's ultimate goal was to create a new Roman Empire. He began by invading and conquering Ethiopia as well as by aiding Francisco Franco in the Spanish Civil War. Even before his military actions, he signed the Lateral Accords, stating that Pope Pius XI would finally recognize Italy as an independent state. The pope said that Mussolini was, "the man whom God has sent us." The recognition of Italy helped him gain great support, as did his skill with propaganda and speaking. When Mussolini was dictator, the Italian government controlled industry, schools, and the press. His power is best exemplified by the fact that he was able to create many seemingly ridiculous laws. For example, in July 1926, Mussolini declared that the length of the workday would be increased but salaries would not change, newspapers could be no more than six pages, gasoline had to be mixed with alcohol, no more luxurious homes could be built, nothing could be sold after ten PM, and all bread had to contain at least fifteen percent non-white flour. In order to keep his power, Mussolini became an absolute ruler and fixed any elections." (From needham)