This book describes Mussolini's little-known radical ideology, including his activities in Switzerland, relationship with revolutionary syndicalism, and radical journalism. It provides an in-depth treatment of the young Benito Mussolini as a revolutionary Socialist and describes the political maneuverings that took a major European Socialist party by storm before the First World War. It explains the process of how he came to dominate Italian Socialism until the crisis caused by Italy's intervention in World War I. It illuminates Mussolini's leadership qualities and his rise to leader of the Italian Socialist Party.

Explores Mussolini's socialist origins and attempts to understand his political journey to fascism by emphasizing his youthful political ideals Presents interpretations of the first phase of his political career that are free of the polemics that frequently characterize past writings Examines Mussolini's life before fascism, which has been neglected or distorted

Autorentext

Spencer M. Di Scala is Professor of history at the University of Massachusetts Boston, USA, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in modern Italian and European history. He has won awards for his scholarship, held Fulbright Fellowships and visiting professorships at Italian universities, and has published groundbreaking books in twentieth century European history.

Emilio Gentile is an award-winning Professor Emeritus at the University of Rome and has been visiting professor at several American universities. He has published fundamental works in the history of Italian Fascism and has led the field in researching the theme of politics as a secular religion.

Inhalt

.1.Making Mussolini Spencer M. Di Scala.-. 2. Father and Son Philip Cannistraro.-. 3. A Romagnol in Switzerland: Education of a Revolutionary Simone Visconti.-. 4. A Revolutionary in Trentino Stefano Biguzzi.-. 5. Mussolini and Revolutionary Syndicalism Marco Gervasoni.-. 6. The Battle Within: Benito Mussolini, the Reformists, and the Great War Spencer M. Di Scala.-. 7. The Enemy of My Enemy: Gaetano Salvemini, Benito Mussolini, and the Politics of the Liberal State, 1910-1914 Charles Killinger.-. 8. The Style of a Revolutionary Journalist Pierluigi Allotti.-. 9. A Revolution for the Third Italy Emilio Gentile .