Italy had been experimenting rather unsuccessfully with democracy ever since its unification in 1870.  It had made little progress in solving its problems of poverty, inefficiency, and corruption in government.  To add to its problems was the cost of World War I, dissatisfaction with the territories Italy had gained at the peace table.  Strikes were common, and industrial production lagged.  Peasants began to seize large estates and divide the land among themselves.  It is not surprising that many Italians turned to revolutionary groups that might solve their problems.  One such revolutionary was a former socialist, Benito Mussolini.  In 1922 Mussolini staged a revolution that saw the government turned over to him.  The Fascists were now in power.  Fascism had much appeal to conservative landowners who feared a communist revolution like what had happened in Russia.

Click on the link below to read a good summary of Mussolini and the Italian Fascists

http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/modern/fascism/fascifla.htm

Assignment 7.02 - What Is Fascism 

What are the central ideas that comprise Fascism? How does it differ from Communism?  In this assignment you will create a list of statements that summarize the major points of Fascism.  You may use any search engine that you want.  To get started on your list use the links below.  Your list should contain at least FIVE (5) major points.

http://www.usa.pipeline.com/~rgibson/fascism.html

http://www.library.wisc.edu/libraries/dpf/Fascism/Home.html