Outbreak of a Social Virus: The Fascism of Benito Mussolini

Dr. Nicholas Albanese

Benito Mussolini’s regime in Italy in the first half of the 20th century was the first fascist government in modern history. This course investigates the contours of Mussolini’s fascism, beginning with its ideological origins as a spiritual force whose aim was to restore the unity and greatness of the Italian people after centuries of decline. We will also follow the development of the movement as it transformed itself first into a political party and then into a de facto dictatorship, with the charismatic personality of il Duce as its supreme leader. Among the topics that will also be discussed are the biography of Mussolini, how he and the fascist movement earned the consent of the Italian people, and the legacy of fascism in Italy after its disastrous conclusion during the Second World War.

Course Objectives:
To learn about the origins and development of fascism in Italy
To understand how the fascist political movement earned the support of Italy’s population
To present the biography of Benito Mussolini, il Duce
To define what fascism was in Italy
To analyze the downfall of fascism in Italy and the legacy it left behind

Lecture 1: "The Rise of Fascism in Italy: Nationalism, Blackshirts, and Mussolini"
This lecture will present the historical and ideological context in which Benito Mussolini’s fascist movement was born and was able to become a political force in Italy.

Lecture 2: "Winning Consent: The Cult of il Duce"
This talk will focus on the early challenges of Mussolini’s fascist regime and analyze how il Duce was able to earn the consent of the Italian people.

Lecture 3: "Hitler, World War, and The Fall of a Dictator"
In this lecture we will discuss Mussolini’s friendship with Hitler and the end of the fascist regime in Italy after World War Two.

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