A Brief History of Italian Fascism
In the 1920's Benito Mussolini started his rise to power in Italy. He is perhaps less emphasized in American high school history classes, there was a much more looming and terrible personality who acted as one of his peers, and this gap of knowledge might be what makes his impact startling. Mussolini was the architect of fascism, once a reporter, he had some ideas on how to promote not only himself to the masses, but an entire lifestyle. He relied heavily on nostalgia, or in his specific case, romanita, a romanticised version of a once perfect Rome. His projects and efforts were meant to emulate the successes of ancient Roman figures like Julius Caesar and Emperor Augustus. To equate fascist tennents to those of these historical leaders, and in turn, manufacture a history of fascism that Italy should return to once again. As if one might assume that since fascism existed prior, it must be a normal extension of Italian identity.

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Italy, Rome, Mussolini, Arch of Constantine, Militaty
Benito Mussolini (1883-1945) portrayed with a group of soldiers at the Arch of Constantine in Rome.
Black and white photo by Luigi Leoni, 1928
Credited to Luigi Leoni Archive / Alinari Archives
Permission required for non editorial use. Please contact Alinari Archives.