Early Years
Born on July 29, 1883, in Dovia di Predappio, Forli, Northern Italy, Benito Amilcare Andrea Mussolini, was the eldest of three children. His father, Alessandro, was a blacksmith and member of a socialist party. His mother, Rosa Maltoni, was a Catholic schoolteacher. At first, Mussolini was slow to learn and talk but his mother guided him and he turned out to be a very bright person.
At 8 years old, during his rebellious childhood years, Benito was sent to boarding school. At age 11, he stabbed a fellow student, which resulted in his expulsion and then had to switch schools. By age 17, Benito was believed to be so in love with the opposite sex and was known to visit brothels at this young age. In July of 1902 at age 19, Benito split and crossed into Switzerland to avoid going into the military.
From Left to Right: Benito Mussolini Mugshot & his parents - Alessandro Mussolini and Rosa Maltoni
Rising Through The Ranks
While in Switzerland, he worked as a laborer and got involved in socialist parties, following in the footsteps of his father. It was at this time that he started to rebel against the government. He then got a job as a newspaper journalist and by age 29 he became the top editor of "Avanti". He worked there for sometime, often displaying his strong input on political issues. Benito, along with several other editors at "AvantI", broke off and started their own paper called, "Il Popolo D'Itallia" also known as "The People of Italy". Having his own paper, this allowed him to voice his opinions to a larger population.
In 1919, as Italy was believed to be on the verge of being taken over by communist, he promoted his beliefs to crush communism. He formed the Fascist party along with hundreds of men who wore black shirts and were also armed. He was viewed as "The Leader" of Italy and eventually took power as prime minister in 1922.
In 1919, as Italy was believed to be on the verge of being taken over by communist, he promoted his beliefs to crush communism. He formed the Fascist party along with hundreds of men who wore black shirts and were also armed. He was viewed as "The Leader" of Italy and eventually took power as prime minister in 1922.
Mussolini's newspaper used to express his political opinions.
Taking Power
On October 31, 1922, at the age of 39, Mussolini was sworn in as prime minister of Italy. As elections were held, Mussolini controlled enough votes to secure his leadership. During his time as dictator of Italy, he was commonly referred to as, "Il Duce" or "The Leader of Italy."
Sources
HIstorical information of Benito Mussolini (1883-1945)
A biography of Benito Mussolini, Fascist Dictator of Italy