Revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi began pushing for a union between Southern Italy composed of Naples of Sicily and the kingdom of Sardinia. The Sardinian government eventually declared the state a united Italian kingdom with Victor Emmanuel II (former king of Sardinia) as the first king of Italy. This formation of a united Italian kingdom was met with tensions between the royalists from Northern Italy and the republicans from Southern Italy. This picture demonstrates the changes in territory between 1858 and 1861 showing the formation of a unified Italy. This picture is beneficial because it shows the changes in alliances within the Italian peninsula until most of the territories became unified in 1861

The Kingdom of Italy captured the Papal states on September 20th finishing the unification of the Italian Peninsula. This included the capture of Rome which was finally made the capital of the unified Peninsula after it was declared the capital in March 1861. The fighting began in the morning of September 20th, lasted for a few hours and ended in the surrender of Rome. The Papal States voted and agreed to join the Italian Kingdom on October 9th finalizing the annexation of the city. This picture is beneficial because it contrasts the size of the Italian Kingdom and the Papal States. Additionally, this picture shows the Papal States as the final territory in the Italian Peninsula to be annexed by the Kingdom.

What happened?

The Aventine Secession consisted of the withdrawal of deputies from the Italian government in an attempt to portray their disapproval of Mussolini.

What was Mussolini’s role?

Mussolini was rise to power was the cause of the rebellion known as the Aventine Secession, because the deputies who participated were opposed to the ideals of Mussolini

Why this image?

The image is a portrait of Giacomo Matteotti who was a political leader who was murdered leading up to the Aventine Secession. His murder created shock within the Italian government which allowed the Aventine Secession to start and Mussolini to rise to power.

Which of the 3 topics?

The topic this falls under is the consolidation and maintenance of power because it displays the growth of an opposition of Mussolini in which he overcame to gain absolute power.

The Italo-Ethiopian War began in 1895 after Italy tried to force Ethiopia to sign the Treaty of Wuchale and Ethiopia refused. The fighting occurred in Ethiopian territory and began with Italian success. However, the warlords in Ethiopia were eventually reinforced by an Ethiopian Army led by Emperor Menelik II in the Battle of Adwa where the Italian forces were pushed back and eventually forced to sign the Treaty of Addis Ababa declaring Ethiopia as an independent country. This picture demonstrates the power and nations on each side of the First Italo-Ethiopian War. This picture is significant because it reveals the vast difference in power between the forces on the Italian side and on the Ethiopian side.

What happened?

The Locarno treaty consisted of several agreements in which were agreed upon and signed by the the European countries in hopes of securing a stable territorial barriers in the post WW1 time era.

What was Mussolini’s role?

During the signing of these treaties Mussolini acted not as a dictator but, as the foreign minister and head of state of Italy.

Why this image?

I chose this image because it shows Mussolini who was attempting to overthrow the Italian government sitting at a table with the diplomats of other surrounding countries which places him in a position of authority in Italy.

Which of the 3 topics?

This is an example of the maintenance and consolidation of power as Mussolini places himself on par with people with high levels of power which helps to grant him authority.

Politicians began calling for an invasion of Libya in 1908, stating that Libya was rich with minerals, filled with water, and easy to defeat. Additionally, many Italians believed Libya was friendly to the Italians and hostile towards the Ottomans so that they would put up little resistance to the Italian Kingdom. Italian Prime Minister Giovanni Giolitti gave an Ultimatum to the Ottomans asking for Libya and once rejected, declared war on the Ottoman Empire. After the Italians began controlling parts of Libya, the Ottomans signed the treaty of Lausanne in 1912 ending the fighting and giving the Italians Libya. This picture demonstrates the territories of Italy, Libya, and the Ottoman Empire along with the routes the Italians took to invade Libya. This picture is significant because it demonstrates how close the Italy and the Ottoman Empire where which justifies why the Ottoman Empire did not want to give up Libya easily.

What happened?

The Battle for Grain was a form of propaganda that was used in order to secure higher wheat production, lower trade deficit and reduce the need of importing bread within Italy.

What was Mussolini’s role?

Mussolini played a major role with the Battle for Grain because he implemented the campaign for this type of propaganda

Why this image?

I chose this image due to the fact that it shows Mussolini supporting his own campaign as he is threshing wheat in Italy. Threshing is an action conducted during the production of wheat.

Which of the 3 topics?

This fits under the aims and results of policies as it shows the implementation of propaganda in order to help balance the economic state of italy.

What happened?

The Battle for the Lira was an economic policy that serve as a way to raise claims of Italy becoming a great power.

What was Mussolini’s role?

Mussolini had taken over the role of prime minister within Italy which gave him the power to propose the idea of revaluing the Lira currency in order to boost the economic state of Italy.

Why this image?

This is a image of a lira which was the currency that Mussolini was attempting to revalue

Which of the 3 topics?

This fits under the aims and results of policies. Specifically, economic policies as the Battle for lira was meant to help with the economic state of Italy.

Mussolini became the editor of the Italian socialist party's primary propaganda outlet Avanti which allowed him to share his socialist viewpoints to influence others. However, Mussolini's political views began to shift after Italy declared neutrality in WWI on August 3, 1914. This shows Mussolini beginning his career as a politician by sharing his political viewpoints in a significant newspaper for the socialist party. This relates to the topic of emerge of authoritarian states because it shows Mussolini beginning his political career and getting his name spread around. This picture is an example of one of Avanti's newspapers after Mussolini became the editor. This picture is significant because it demonstrates the formality of this newspaper revealing the amount of power Mussolini had as an editor.

What happened?

 The Battle for births was an economic policy that was implemented in Italy in an attempt to raise the population from 40 million to 60 million.

What was Mussolini’s role?

This was was one of the 4 major policies created by Mussolini which overall forced the population of the country to grow due to strict rules

Why this image?

This image was chosen because it shows a large group of babies that all stem from one family. Reproduction within Italy increased due to the incentives the Mussolini gave families.

Which of the 3 topics?

The topic is aim and results of policies because it is another policy that was implemented by Mussolini

After Mussolini's political views began to change, he decided to begin publishing his views within his own journal named Utopia. In this journal he often argued that Italy should be war neutral instead of anti war which matched with nationalist viewpoints instead of socialist viewpoints. Mussolini quit his position as editor of Avanti, but his work within Utopia and II Popolo d'Italia lead to him being expelled from the Italian socialist party. This shows Mussolini transitioning from a socialist to a fascist along with the creation of his own fascist party with Mussolini leading the propaganda. This relates to the topic of emergence of authoritarian states by demonstrating the creation of the fascist party within Italy. This picture shows Mussolini's own journal where he published his own political views after he was expelled from the Socialist party. This is significant because Mussolini's experience as a journal editor helped him create successful and professional propaganda with his own political views.

What happened?

The Lateran Treaty established Vatican City as an independent state and the Roman Catholic faith was made the official religion of the country.

What was Mussolini’s role?

Mussolini oversaw and signed the treaty as a representative of the country of Italy

Why this image?

This image portrays Mussolini along with other major leaders all collectively agreeing on the Official religion of the country.

The Treaty of London was a secret treaty between Italy and France, Britain, and Russia to bring Italy into the fighting in WWI. The Allied forces promised Italy territories such as Trieste, and Italy decided to join the war in May 1915. However, a majority of Italy was favored neutrality and did not want to join the war against the central powers. This picture shows the territories that Italy was promised in the Treaty of London. This picture is significant because it puts the size of these territories in perspective allowing people to understand why Italy joined the war even though a majority of the population was against it. This relates to the topic of consolidation of power because it shows Italy going against its own viewpoints to expand its territory and become a stronger nation.

What happened?

The Kellogg-Briand Treaty was a pact between the countries of Europe that ensured that any disputes would be settled with war.

What was Mussolini’s role?

Mussolini showed jealousy towards Briand Chamberlain because he signed the treaty instead of him.

Why this image?

This is an image of Briand Chamberlain at the Kellogg- Briand conference Which is what caused Mussolini to resent him

Which of the 3 topics?

Consolidation and Maintenance of power because the treaty ensures that no countries will have to fight wars due to disputes.

Biennio Rosso was the social conflict during the economic crisis in Italy after the end of WWI marked by the high unemployment rates and high political instability. This was due to the high resource costs of the Royal Italian Army as the war came to an end. This period lasted for two years and involved mass industrial action and rural unrest. This relates to the topic of consolidation of power because it shows how power cannot be maintained during times of crises within a nation. This picture is a propaganda piece during Biennio Rosso that demonstrates the strikes and unrest in Italy. This picture is significant because many people in Italy shared the same viewpoint on Biennio Rosso at the time.

What happened?

The Stresa front was an agreement made between Italy, Britain, and France. Which basically formed an alliance between the three countries against Nazi Germany.

What was Mussolini’s role?

 Mussolini was the prime minister at the time therefore, his role was signing the treaty as a representation of Italy

Why this image?

This image lays out the territories of those who participated in the alliance and also the territory of Nazi Germany.

Which of the 3 topics?

Maintenance and Consolidation of power due to the fact that the alliance is meant to ensure protection to all the participating parties of the alliance.

This nationalistic organization was founded by Mussolini and his followers after WWI at a meeting in Milan. This organization had no members elected to any office in 1919, resulting in the organization becoming much farther right and using violence against political opponents. This organization gained support from the blackshirts, Giolitti's government, and the Italian Nationalist Association resulting in the organization having some members enter the Parliament in the next election. This relates to the topic of emerge of authoritarian states because it demonstrates the formation and growth of the Fascio di Combattimento and eventually its rise to political power. This picture is Fasci di Combattimento's logo and was used as a sign of allegiance to the Fasci di Combattimento. This is significant because it demonstrates the loyalty of the members of Fasci di Combattimento due to their willingness to declare their support of the party.

What happened?

The crisis was a dispute between the Italy and Ethiopia over the territory of the town of Walwal.

What was Mussolini’s role?

Mussolini had control of Italy during this time thus, he served as the face of the Fascist-ruled Kingdom of Italy

Why this image?

This image displays the conflicted territory of Walwal and it's surrounding environment.

After WWI ended, Austria-Hungary was dismantled and had some of its territory given to Italy at the Paris Peace Conference. However, Fiume was given to the Kingdom of Yugoslavia instead of Italy resulting in anger among Italian nationalists. This included Gabriele D'Annunzio who lead a force of 2600 Italians to seize control of Fiume and expel the Allied forces occupying it. The vast Italian population of Fiume supported the capture by D'Annunzio and willingly accepted annexation into Italy. This relates to the topic of consolidation of power because it shows Italy going against treaties to gain territory and increase its power as a nation. This picture shows Italian territories after WWI including Fiume to show the proximity of Fiume to Italy. This picture is significant because it shows how Fiume is connected to Italy allowing people to understand why Italy wanted to annex Fiume.

What happened?

Rome-Berlin Axis Treaty was an agreement between Germany and Italy that formed a coalition between the two fascist ruled countries.

What was Mussolini’s role?

Mussolini was the leader of Italy in which he brought up fascist ideals.

Why this image?

The picture is significant as it shows the leaders of both countries being united.

Which of the 3 topics?

Emergence of Authoritarian states because it shows the joining of Russia and Italy.

What happened?

The country of Italy supplied the nationalist within Spain with 70,000 soldiers.

What was Mussolini’s role?

The leader of Italy during this time was Mussolini.

Why this image?

This image displays some of the soldiers of Italy attempting to aid the nationalist in their battle

Alliance between Mussolini's Fasci di Combattimento and Giovanni Giolitti Italian Liberal Party began in 1921 after Mussolini won a seat in parliament and was invited to join the coalition government by Giolitti. Giolitti joined because he recognized the spreading influence of the Fascist party and wanted to ally with them. Mussolini joined because he wanted to further his political influence to obtain more political power. This relates to the topic of emergence of authoritarian states because it demonstrates Mussolini forming alliances with other political parties to grow his own political party. This picture is an example of political propaganda against the alliance of Mussolini and Giolitti. It demonstrates how the artist believed that Giolitti was being used by Mussolini for money and to gain political power in Italy.

The National Fascist Party came from Fasci di Combattimento after it allied with the Italian Social Republic and the Italian Liberal Party. This party was rooted in nationalism and promised to restore and expand Italy's territory. The party wanted the formation of a corporatist economic system, the spread of autarky, and the spread of Italian nationalism. This relates to the topic of emergence of authoritarian states because it demonstrates the formation of the National Fascist Party and the goals that it had. This picture demonstrates the PNF's logo which was used to represent people who supported the PNF. This picture is significant because it gave the PNF a way to tell who supported the PNF and who did not.

What happened?

The agreement between countries like Germany, Italy, and more. That allowed Germany to annex Czechoslovakia.

What was Mussolini’s role?

 Mussolini personally travelled to Munich in order to be apart of the conference.

Why this image?

The image is a picture of all of the country's leaders who attended the Munich conference.

Which of the 3 topics?

Maintenance and Consolidation of power as Italy agreed to work with other countries that portrayed more power than them at the time.

In late October, Fascist leaders wanted to demonstrate the support for the Fascist Party and planned a march on the capital to show their power. This brought fear to the King who forced the Prime Minister Luigi Facta to cancel his declaration of a state of siege and then abdicate allowing Mussolini to be appointed as Prime Minister. This transferred political power to the Fascists and allowed Mussolini to implement his Coalition government without any armed conflict. This relates to the topic of emergence of authoritarian states because it demonstrates power being given to the Fascist part out of fear from King Emmanuel III. This picture shows demonstrators during the March on Rome while they are in Rome. This picture is significant because it demonstrates the wide support for the Fascist Party and the party's desire to show that support.

After Mussolini became Prime Minister, his Fascist party still only had 35 of the 400 seats and Mussolini wanted to increase his power in the Parliament. The Acerbo law gave 2/3 of the seats in parliament to the party that gained the largest share of votes as long as they got at least 25 percent of the votes. The Acerbo law managed to get a majority of votes putting the law into place before the upcoming 1924 election. This relates to the topic of consolidation of power because it demonstrates Mussolini creating policies to increase his political power and gain a majority of the seats in his parliament. This picture is an example of when the Acerbo Law would be put in effect granting the Fascist Party 2/3 of the seats in Parliament. This picture is significant because it shows why Mussolini wanted to pass the Acerbo Law to try and get a majority vote and increase his political power.

What happened?

Italian troops invaded Albania 5 months before WWII

What was Mussolini’s role?

The conflict was caused due to the policies of Italy's prime minister as well as Mussolini

Why this image?

This is an image of Italian troops preparing to fight in Albania

In May 1923, the British Foreign Secretary offered Italy Jubaland and Jarabub in exchange for Italy to give up Fiume and the Dodecanese islands to Yugoslavia and Greece. Italy initally refused, but was forced to give up these territories after the treaty of Lausanne was passed in July. In August of that year, the Italian chairman of the commission was assassinated in Greek territory sparking anti-Greek demonstrations to spread across Italy. Mussolini responded by having an ultimatum sent to Greece and once the Ultimatum was rejected, Italy attacked then occupied the Greek Island of Corfu. This relates to the topic of consolidation of power because it demonstrates Mussolini utilizing force to keep Italian nationalism high after an attack on Italian officials. This picture demonstrates the outbreak of violence while the Italian forces attack Corfu. This picture is significant because it demonstrates Mussolini's rapid decision to go to war after being agitated.

What happened?

Italy began to attack Greece during the WWII time period

What was Mussolini’s role?

Mussolini made the decision to invade Greece

Why this image?

This is an image of the Italian troops preparing to invade Greece

On May 30th, Giacomo Matteotti, a socialist politician, spoke out against the Italian fascists stating that they were fraudulent and abused violence to win. Matteotti was kidnapped and killed by Fascists 11 days later resulting in people trying to spread a question about the Fascist Party's morality. However, the king refused to dismiss Mussolini and Mussolini responded by stating Italy needed stability and he would ensure that stability by any means necessary. This relates to the topic of consolidation of power because it demonstrates Mussolini utilizing violence to prevent people from speaking out against the Fascist Party. This picture is a political cartoon against Mussolini that references the assassination of Matteotti. This picture is significant because it shows people blaming Mussolini and his Fascist Party for the death of Matteotti

What happened?

 Mussolini was voted down from power by his own Grand council and arrested after leaving the meeting.

What was Mussolini’s role?

 Mussolini was voted down and arrested during on this date.

Why this image?

This is an image of the people of Italy celebrating the downfall of Mussolini as he is voted down from his position of leadership.

Which of the 3 topics?

Consolidation and Maintenance of power as the power of Mussolini is striped away.

What happened?

 Mussolini was arrested after being voted out of office later he was sentenced to death.

What was Mussolini’s role?

 He died.

Why this image?

The image represents death