It All Ends In History

It's the final episode of the podcast for September and it just so happens to be the final of our special the Rise of Mussolini, you lucky listeners!

It really is the downfall of Mussolini in this episode.

Five years could change a lot in Fascist Italy, and this can be so clearly seen in foreign policy. In this episode, listen as Mussolini takes an enormous u-turn towards Germany, for better but mostly for worse.

Mussolini's state was one that had to focus on controlling the people. It did so mainly through propaganda, like the Cult of Il Duce, as well as trying to make sure that many were grateful for what the state had given them. There was terror involved too of course, but it was a bit different to other similar set-ups. Listen in to find out more...

Mussolini had lots of goals to strive for in setting up his fascist state, and not all of them were in the country. He saw foreign policy as incredibly important in creating his idea of Italy. He wanted prestige, closer relations to the masters in the Mediterranean Britain and France and an Italy that was a great power. Before 1935, the words 'Great Statesman' are really on Mussolini's mind.

The Italian Fascist Dictatorship was a state of consent. Consent of the elites, those powerful groups that held the power, and had given some of it to Mussolini. Mussolini had no choice but to work with them, and pander to them - for they were part of the foundations of all he had created. So, in this episode, let's look at how Mussolini dealt with these groups, and the issues he encountered along the way.

It's time to start our deep dive into the realities inside Fascist Italy and life under Mussolini. We start with the economy, looking at the fairly hodgepodge policy Mussolini cooked up, how he responded to issues and why propaganda was so important to economic policy.

Creating a dictatorship.

When we left Italy last, Mussolini had just become PM in a last minute decision by the king. He has more power than ever before, but he is determined to achieve his aims of a single party state.

In this episode, we see how he'll stop at nothing to pull down the barriers to his dreams, using plots, intrigue and violence to get his way.

From nothing to everything, in this episode we explore the intricate factors that led to Mussolini becoming Italy's PM.

Presented by Matt Carter.

Welcome to a new look It All Ends In History, and we are starting our new chapter with a special. It's called the Rise of Mussolini and it charts the almost impossible sounding story of one man from obscurity to absolute power, meeting those that willingly or unwittingly helped him into power and the factors that changed the political tide of Italy.

Get ready for a story of intrigue, plots, blunders and mistakes.

Enjoy!