Mussolini as Revolutionary

Paper Summary:

The paper explores whether Mussolini's fascism was strictly a revolutionary concept or whether it was a shift in existing political and social norms under a new name. The paper relates that fascism under Mussolini was not totally original, nor was it able to remain consistent over the years. The paper explains that because its stated principles could not function within the actual socio-political environment, Mussolini's brand of fascism could not survive.

Outline:
Introduction
Fascism as a Revolutionary Concept
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Benito Mussolini is credited as playing a fundamental role in the establishment of fascism as a political construct. The publication of his Fascio di Combattimento in March of 1919 helped to define the principles of fascist thought and communicate these to a wide audience (Cannistraro, 1972). An early article from 1926 suggests that the development of fascism was done specifically as a response to new trends and themes within the socio-political environment of Europe, and thus fascism could be seen as a response to these (Elliot, 1926; 161). Other scholars, however, have expressed doubts as to whether Mussolini's version of fascism was "a traditional reactionary phenomenon of the conservative right, or a genuine revolutionary movement that sought the total reordering and modernization of Italian life" (Cannistraro, 1972; p. 115)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Cannistraro, P. V. (Jul - Oct, 1972). Mussolini's cultural revolution: Fascist or nationalist? Journal of Contemporary History. Vol 7 (3/4). 115 - 139.
• DeGrand, A. J. (1972). Curzio Malaparte: The illusion of the fascist revolution. Journal of Contemporary History. Vol 7 (1/2). 73 - 89.
• Elliott, W. Y. (June, 1926). Mussolini, prophet of the pragmatic era in politics. Political Science Quarterly. Vol. 41 (2). 161 - 192.
• Sarti, R. (1970). Fascist modernization in Italy: traditional or revolutionary. American Historical Review. Vol. 75 (4). 1029 - 1045.
• Sturzo, D. L. & Lograsso, A. H. Has fascism ended with Mussolini? Review of Politics. Vol 7 (3). 306 - 315.

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