In the early 20th century, before Benito Mussolini and his fascist regime came to power. Italy was in a terrible state. The government was corrupt, there were back door deals taking place and there was wide spread violence. The government was constantly using brute force to silence those who opposed, many were also thrown in jail for advocating a change in the government. Among these men were Mussolini's father who during Benito early years instilled the ideas of socialism and a socialist government. During Benito's upbringing his father was thrown in jail a number of times for urging the over throw of the current Italian government. Times were tough and people had to struggle to fed themselves and their family. The Mussolini's were poor as were many others in Italy at the time.

Working hard Benito Mussolini was able to get a job as a school teacher, after working only a year at it, he borrowed some money from his parents to buy a train ticket to Switzerland. In Switzerland Mussolini greatly increased his knowledge of socialism. Later returning to Italy, Mussolini began to gain a following. He became to editor of the Socialist newspaper where he constantly preached his ideas. World War I began to roll around and against the wishes of the Socialist party he began to advocate that Italy enter the war. Mussolini then left the Socialist party and went to fight for the cause. After coming out of the war chaos gripped Italy, and it was during this time that Mussolini's views spread throughout the country. He gained an army of followers including military veterans. Mussolini also connected with the lower classes and gained their support.

Now with some backing Mussolini formed the National Fascist Party. With this power he was able to take over the government and declared a complete dictatorship. The Italy that was once falling apart was now back up on its feet. Mussolini was a dictator of the people. He built roads, harnessed rivers, increased production and ran the trains on time. The standard of living Italy was increasing and the people were loving him. He was someone the people could relate to he was a success story. From poverty to ruling the country and improving it on the way.

After several years in power Mussolini became power hungry once again. He abolished all other political parties and imposed government control on virtually ever aspect of Italian life. He conquered Ethiopia and Albania. His tragic ending was near when he became involved with Hitler and aided him in World War II. After Italy was humiliated, Mussolini was captured by his own people who once loved him and he was killed. During his rule Mussolini changed the chaotic government that preceded him which did nothing to help the people of Italy and he help the lower classes which he sympathized with. To many Mussolini and his Fascist regime were feared, but in Italy they were loved.