Initially a socialist and editor of the socialist newspaper ‘Avanti!’
Became disenchanted with socialism, favored WW1 for potential socialist revolution conditions
Expelled from the PSI in November 1914
Began writing ‘Il Popolo d’Italia,’ proposing a regime to end class struggle and offer dynamic leadership
Advocated for soldiers, farmers, and factory workers against businessmen benefiting from war, opposing socialists, and liberal politicians
Creation of Fascist Movement and 1919 Programme
By 1919, Mussolini sought to implement his ideas
Organized a meeting in Milan in March 1919 with 100 attendees from various political backgrounds
Established ‘Fasci di Combattimento’ (combat groups)
Early party programme included expansionism, a new national assembly, abolition of monarchy/nobility, suppression of major companies, wealth control/taxation, and workers’ business shares
Primarily leftist/socialist demands except for expansionism
‘Fascio’ symbolized strength and unity; however, the group's actions lacked clarity
In 1922, attempted to develop a coherent fascist doctrine, which was not fully realized
Manifesto included an 8-hour workday, church property confiscation, bank/stock exchange control, and restoration of national strength/prestige
Policies aimed to attract various social classes disillusioned with the state
Emphasized threats from socialism, political weakness, law/order failures, Treaty of Versailles, and ‘mutilated victory’
Fascism
Mussolini did not produce a central text on Fascist ideology
Historians disagree on a clear definition, but agree on totalitarian aspirations
Rejected peace and viewed warfare as beneficial to society
Opposed socialism, Marxism, and democratic ideology
Early Failure
Early movement lacked cohesion and organizational discipline
Mussolini's prominence came from his journalism in ‘Il Popolo d’Italia’
November 1919 elections revealed the movement's failure
Mussolini received 5,000 votes out of 270,000 in Milan
Fascism performed poorly across Italy with no seats and 4,000 supporters
Movement seemed doomed but gained momentum by December 1919 due to government failures to address socialist threats
Within a year, fascists emerged as a powerful political force.