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Benito Mussolini Research Paper

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With power comes great responsibility. Throughout history many of the great leaders of this world have abused this power. Some of these leaders are considered dictators. But what is a dictator? A dictator is a ruler with total power over a country typically one you have obtained power by force. They are also referred to as autocrats, absolute rulers, tyrants, or oppressors. An excellent example of a dictator is Benito Mussolini. The fascist Italian leader started off with strong ideals and goals to re-create the Roman Empire however as his rule continued his common sense was gradually overwhelmed. (history.com staff) But to understand his decline, first three questions must be answered. How did Mussolini come to power? How did Mussolini held …show more content…

His first act to re-establish the Roman Empire he invaded Ethiopia using much more advanced technology than the Ethiopians were able to handle. Four years later, he sent fascists to expand his influence in Spain during the Spanish Civil War (biography.com). These successes were noticed by German dictator Adolf Hitler, who soon made a pact with Mussolini – known as the ‘Pack of Steel’. Through the influence of Hitler, Benito also discriminated against the Jews. Finally, Italy invaded Greece in 1940. However after this Mussolini’s rule began to slip and he lost all of his conquered lands in a gamble for ruling England and France during WW2. Mussolini was forced to resign and arrested. While trying to escape to Switzerland, he and his mistress were captured and killed on April 28th, …show more content…

Other effects included women women in the Fascist Italy. They were tasked with getting married at a young age and having lots of children. This was Mussolini’s “Battle for Births” plan. This ‘battle’ was started because Mussolini felt Italy’s population was smaller than it should have been. Women were given the incentive that if they had lots of children (at least 5), they would have better tax privileges. Despite his want of a large population, this Battle of Births was a failure. In addition to a large population, Mussolini wanted a nation of warriors. The fascist government expected boys to become soldiers that would ‘fight with glory for Italy’ (historylearningsite.co.uk). A famous slogans during this time was, “War is to the male what childbearing is to the female.” Any opposition to these views were handled by the “Black Shirts”. Black Shirts were ex-soldiers whom used excessive force to implement fascist ideals. They had just as much of an effect on Italy as Mussolini, seeing as they were the ones to enforce Mussolini’s

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