Rise of fascism in Italy

Main

Mussolini seizes control of newspaper

1912

Italy joins allies in WWI

August 1914

Depressed economy and diminished national pride

1919

Formation of Fasci di Combattimento

1919

War industry fades just as veterans need jobs

1919

Italy adopts Catholicism as official state religion

1922

Mussolini's group joins the national block of official political parties

1922

Fascist march on Rome and demand more control

October 1922

Fascist form agovernment with Mussolini as prime minister

October 31, 1922

Mussolini declares himself dictator of Italy

Jan 3, 1925

Use of propaganda, intimidation, kidnap, and murder to expand power

1934

Italy signs Pact of Steel

May 22, 1939