Mussolini’s Secret Socialist Past

How Benito Mussolini Transitioned from a Socialist to a Fascist

Benito Mussolini (Right) and Adolf Hitler (Left) (taken from: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/benito-mussolinis-family-blocks-italian-centre-for-study-of-fascism-fzq279qrp)

Benito Mussolini was a man remembered for coining the term “fascism” and establishing the first fascist political party in history. His influence, although largely negative, was profound on the modern history of Europe, inspiring figures like Adolf Hitler and Francisco Franco. While he is known for his far-right ideology, Mussolini had a past as a hardcore socialist that many don’t know about. What caused Mussolini to switch his ideology from one end to another?

Mussolini’s Upbringing

Benito Mussolini was born in 1883 in a small village in Northern Italy called Predappio to a father who owned and operated a small coffee shop. His father was very political and the name Benito was taken from Benito Juarez, the first Mexican president of indigenous origin, who was his father’s inspiration. The coffee shop that Benito’s father operated was a common gathering place for the village’s socialists and anarchists, influencing Benito’s political views from a young age.

Mussolini was a delinquent student and was expelled from a few schools before graduating and becoming a French teacher in 1901. He was always interested in learning new languages and loved to show off his language skills to others…