Summary
Highlights
In 1902, Benito Mussolini moved to Switzerland to avoid military service, where he became deeply involved in socialism, working for trade unions and socialist newspapers, and advocating for a violent overthrow of European monarchies. This led to multiple arrests, deportations back to Italy, and subsequent returns to Switzerland. Eventually, he completed his military service and briefly worked as an elementary school teacher before resuming his socialist activism.
Mussolini's speeches and journalistic skills earned him fame among Italian socialists. He was initially anti-war, rioting and getting arrested when Italy colonized Libya in 1910. When World War I began, he again protested Italy's involvement. However, he soon changed his mind, believing the war could create the necessary social climate for a socialist revolution. This pro-war stance led to his expulsion from the socialist party.
After being expelled from the socialist party, Mussolini abandoned socialism. He envisioned a new ideology based on national unity rather than class divisions, aiming to conquer the Mediterranean and reunite all Italian peoples, reminiscent of the Roman Empire. He named this ideology 'Fascismo,' believing it would guide the Italian nation to greatness.