The word Fascism comes from fasces, the bundle of elm or birch rods from which an ax projected that was carried before Roman magistrates. These fasces indicated the magistrates power to decapitate. Fascism is actually defined as " a political philosophy, movement, or regime that exalts nation, and often race, and stands for a centralized autocratic, often militaristic government" (Webster's). March 23, 1919 marked the ascension of the Fascist party in Italy. For many, young Benito Mussolini was a symbol of law and order in a time of political and social turmoil. Mussolini's "Fasci di Combattimento", the re-organization of his Fascia group, was accepted and admired by all, especially those Italians longing for the end of unemployment, inflation, and the fear of a communist revolution. In Italy, many members of the government, as well as a few aspects of society, gained from Fascism. However, despite those who gained, more Italians suffered as a result of Fascist government. Some members that gained from Fascism were the Fascists in power. TheFascists who held office were all shrewed politicians. All of those politicians were ruthlessand were feared by many of the people. "The result at the 1919 polls was disappointing. The Socialists did splendidly, but Fascism, having not yet fully identified with the conservative Right, seemed in 1919 to have arrived at a dead end" (Forman 27). The fear that was created between government official and citizen was what kept Fascism in power after this initial downfall. Many of the Fascists in power were out of control; Even Benito Mussolini had his own Fascist propaganda army: the Blackshirts , or "Squadre". Fear was building as the Fascist party was coming into power. "Murder and arson were daily occurrences, and by 1922, Italian Socialists were driven to desperate measures. On August 1, massive strikes disrupted transportation. The government was helpless to combat the effects. Italy needed a...
