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Mussolini in the First World War: The Journalist, the Soldier, the Fascist
Author(s): Paul O'Brien (Author)
- Publisher: Berg Publishers
- Publication Date: 1 Nov. 2004
- Language: English
- Print length: 224 pages
- ISBN-10: 9781845200510
- ISBN-13: 1845200519
Book Description
How did Benito Mussolini come to fascism? Standard accounts of the dictator have failed to explain satisfactorily the transition from his pre-World War I ‘socialism’ to his post-war fascism. This controversial new book is the first to examine closely Mussolini’s political trajectory during the Great War as evidenced in his journalistic writings, speeches and war diary, as well as some previously unexamined archive material. The author argues that the 1914-18 conflict provided the catalyst for Mussolini to clarify his deep-rooted nationalist tendencies. He demonstrates that Mussolini’s interventionism was already anti-socialist and anti-democratic in the early autumn of 1914 and shows how in and through the experience of the conflict the future duce fine-tuned his authoritarian and totalitarian vision of Italy in a state of permanent mobilization for war. Providing a radical new interpretation of one of the most important dictators of the twentieth century, Mussolini in the First World War will appeal to anyone who wants to learn more about the roots of fascism in modern Europe.
Editorial Reviews
Review
An important study of the young Mussolini, Inventing Fascism shows us the future fascist leader in a new light, helping us to understand better why Italy turned to fascism and how Mussolini himself – still a socialist firebrand in 1914 – became the champion of the Italian Right. This study will become essential reading for anyone wanting to understand the development of the fascist movement and its duce.–Paul Corner, Professor of European History, University of Siena
About the Author
Paul O’Brien is an Independent scholar.
