Introduction

Fascism evolved into a new political and economic system that combined corporatism, totalitarianism, nationalism and anti-communism in a state designed to bind all classes together under a capitalist system. This was a new capitalist system, however, one in which the state seized control of the organization of vital industries. Under the banners of nationalism and state power, fascism seemed to synthesise the glorious Roman past with a futuristic utopia. These were the general aims; at the same time, be aware that Mussolini failed to outline a coherent programme.

Read and Make Notes

Read pages 121 to 122 in European Dictatorships 1918-1945 and make notes on the contribution of Mussolini.
Read pages 123 to 124 in your textbook and make notes on the ideology of fascism.

Research

Research Mussolini’s early political ideas and career, to 1918.
The links below are helpful starting points:

READ – Benito Mussolini (Encyclopedia.com)

READ – Benito Mussolini (International Encyclopedia of the First World War)

Stretch Activity

For more detail on the early influences on Mussolini, read the following:

READ – Mussolini by Peter Neville (Google Books)

Watch

Watch this video and identify Mussolini’s overall aims:

WATCH – Mussolini and Fascism in Italy (Rick Steves Classroom Europe)

WATCH – Benito Mussolini Biography: The Man Who Destroyed Democracy (YouTube)

Identify Mussolini’s aims in foreign policy:

WATCH – A Level Italy: Introduction to Mussolini's Foreign Policy (YouTube)

Tasks

How does Mussolini define fascism? Use the following to help you:

READ – Mussolini and Fascist Italy: Overview (Active History)

Now fill in the table in the PDF:

COMPLETE – What is Fascism? (Active History)

Try to identify Mussolini’s main aims in each of these areas (note this is an outline at this stage):
- economy;
- society;
- foreign policy;
- politics.

Consolidate

Watch the following video:

WATCH – Benito Mussolini Evolution of Evil (YouTube)

How accurate is this in showing Mussolini’s aims and impact?