Question: Why was Benito Mussolini able to rise to power in Italy? (scroll down for answer)       Answer: Mussolini was a fascist leader in Italy from 1922 through most of World War II. He was able to rise because: 1. There was extreme discontent that came out of the economic depression. 2. There was a fear of a workers’ communist revolt. 3. There was immense nationalism, as eventually Mussolini would play off of the history of the great Roman Empire. After seizing power, he would sometimes give speeches at the Roman Colosseum. Mussolini and his army of Blackshirts marched on Rome in 1922. King Emmanuel III gave Mussolini control of the government under the threat of violence. Mussolini took on a new title, Il Duce (the leader). Click here for next flash card.      Back to eFlashcard headquarters