Mussolini in Power
History: KS3, topic 18.3.2
Mussolini in Power
Mussolini wanted to make Italy a great international power. He did this through military expansion and allying himself to other Fascist rulers.
Methods of control
- Mussolini was able to maintain control by using a combination of terror and propaganda.
The invasion of Abyssinia
- During the Great Depression, Mussolini wanted to distract the Italian population from their domestic troubles.
- He wanted to focus their attention on Italy’s military success in Africa.
- Mussolini invaded Abyssinia (modern day Ethiopia) in 1935.
- Mussolini proudly declared that Italy had an empire.
Alliance with Franco
- Between 1936 and 1939, Spain was fighting a civil war. The war was between the left wing and right wing groups in Spain.
- Mussolini sent support to the right wing side (led by the Fascist, General Franco).
Alliance with Hitler
- Mussolini also wanted to build an alliance with the Fascist leader of Germany, Hitler.
- Mussolini and Hitler made an alliance in 1939 Pact of Steel.
- Mussolini would later support Hitler in World War Two.
Test yourself on Mussolini in Power
Which pact did Mussolini sign with Hitler in 1939?