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Benito Amilcare Andrea Mussolini (July 29 1883 – April 28, 1945) was the fascist dictator of Italy from the year 1922 to his overthrow in 1943. Mussolini became a close ally of German dictator Adolf Hitler, whom he influenced. His entry into World War II on the side of Nazi Germany made Italy a target for Allied attacks and ultimately led to his downfall and death.
Early years
Mussolini was born in a village named Predappio in the province of Forlì, in Emilia-Romagna. He was named Benito after Mexican reformist President Benito Juárez; the names Andrea and Amilcare were for Italian socialists Andrea Costa and Amilcare Cipriani. His mother, Rosa Maltoni, was a teacher who believed education was extremely important. His father, Alessandro, was a blacksmith who often encouraged Benito to disobey authority (other than his own). He adored his father, but his love was never reciprocated. Like his father, who was a member of the first Socialist International, Benito became a socialist.
By age eight, he was banned from his mother's church for pinching people at the pews and throwing stones at them outside after church. He was sent to boarding school later that year and at age 11 he was expelled from school for stabbing a fellow student in the hand and throwing an inkpot at a teacher. He did, however, receive good grades, and he qualified as an elementary schoolmaster in 1901.
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Rulers and Royalty :: Historical Personages
Fascism :: Politics
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Meta Description: [ Benito Mussolini and the invasion of Abyssinia. This gallery has three case studies and a worksheet for key stage 3-5 pupils (age 11-18) ]
Benito Mussolini - Detailed biographical article from the Grolier Online Encyclopedia.
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Meta Description: [ As a movement to rehabilitate Mussolini's legacy gains momentum, Crossing Continents visits the birthplace and final resting place of Il Duce. ]
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Meta Description: [ Pictures of Benito Mussolini - the most extensive collection of Mussolini photos on the Internet ]
Mussolini, Benito; speech - Offers a speech delivered by Mussolini to the Blackshirts in Rome, Italy, February 23, 1941.
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