The rise of Italian fascism is often seen as a pre-condition, as well as a precursor of, later developments in Europe most notably in Germany. As such they were also much discussed in the English speaking world throughout the 1930’s. First published in English in 1938 this book gives an account of Italian history in the years immediately following the first world war, culminating in the triumph of Mussolini. Arguing that Mussolini succeeded because he was much more ruthless than his opponents, he concludes that this is something that must be learnt from: ‘in point of material and military strength we must be superior to the fascists since that is the ground on which they are trying to force a decision.'

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Contents

Preface – Herman Finer 1. Italy’s Intervention in the War and Her Internal Crisis 2. The Democratic Revolution of 1919 3. Mussolini and Fascism of the ’First Hour’ 4. Revolution Crosses the Adriatic 5. Nitti, Giolitti, Don Sturzo 6. The Rise and Fall of Maximalism 7. The ‘Posthumous and Preventive’ Counter-Revolution 8. The Internal Crisis of Fascism 9. The Caporetto of Socialism 10. The March on Rome Epilogue Appendix Index