9781422277713

B B enito Mussolini would always portray the 1922 at four points across Italy. With Mussolini out in front, four massive columns of disciplined fighters had trekked through the countryside and converged on the capital city. Confronted with this irresistible force, Italy’s weak and inept government had buckled. Mussolini took the reins of power. His bold act saved the country from chaos. His heroic leadership put Italy on the path to glory. It was a compelling story, and one that Italians heard often as Mussolini tightened his grip on power during the 1920s and 1930s. But it was a story that had almost no basis in reality. March on Rome as an epic event. Answering his call, legions of armed men—300,000 strong—had assembled

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