Birth of Benito Mussolini
Benito Mussolini was born on July 29, 1883, in Dovia di Predappio, Forlì, Italy, to a blacksmith father and a schoolteacher mother.
1883
1902
Emigration to Switzerland
In 1902, Benito Mussolini emigrated to Switzerland to avoid military service. During his time there, he became involved in socialist politics and journalism.
1904
Return to Italy and Military Service
Mussolini returned to Italy in 1904 and served in the military. After completing his service, he resumed his involvement in socialist politics.
1912
Editor of Avanti!
In 1912, Benito Mussolini became the editor of Avanti!, the official newspaper of the Italian Socialist Party, where he gained prominence as a socialist leader.
1914
Break with Socialism
Mussolini broke with the Italian Socialist Party in 1914 over his support for Italy's involvement in World War I, leading to his expulsion from the party.
1919
Founding of the Fascist Movement
In 1919, Benito Mussolini founded the Fasci Italiani di Combattimento, marking the beginning of the Fascist movement in Italy.
1921
Formation of the National Fascist Party
The National Fascist Party was officially formed in 1921, with Benito Mussolini as its leader, advocating for a nationalist and authoritarian government.
1922
March on Rome
In October 1922, Benito Mussolini led the March on Rome, a mass demonstration that resulted in King Victor Emmanuel III inviting him to form a government, thus becoming Prime Minister of Italy.
1925
Establishment of Dictatorship
By 1925, Benito Mussolini had dismantled democratic institutions and established a dictatorship, assuming the title of "Il Duce" (The Leader).
1935
Invasion of Ethiopia
In 1935, Mussolini ordered the invasion of Ethiopia, aiming to expand Italy’s colonial empire, which led to international condemnation.
1936
Alliance with Nazi Germany
In 1936, Benito Mussolini formed an alliance with Nazi Germany, known as the Rome-Berlin Axis, aligning Italy with Adolf Hitler's regime.
1940
Entry into World War II
Italy entered World War II in 1940 on the side of the Axis powers, under Mussolini’s leadership, leading to significant military engagements and consequences for Italy.
1943
Fall from Power
In July 1943, Benito Mussolini was deposed by the Grand Council of Fascism and arrested, following the Allied invasion of Sicily.
1944
Leadership of the Italian Social Republic
After being rescued by German forces, Mussolini headed the Italian Social Republic, a puppet state in Northern Italy, until 1945.
1945
Capture and Execution
In April 1945, Benito Mussolini was captured by Italian partisans while attempting to flee to Switzerland. He was executed on April 28, 1945, in Giulino di Mezzegra.
