WW II ITALIAN HISTORY SYMPOSIA - MUSSOLINI & the U.S.A.

WW II ITALIAN HISTORY SYMPOSIA

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The ABRUZZO MOLISE HERITAGE SOCIETY
Presents

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THE U.S.A. and MUSSOLINI
The rise and Fall of the Fascist dictator
by author Louis A. DeSanti, Ph.D.
A LUNCH/MEETING
SUNDAY, JUNE 10, 2012 @ 1:00 PM
CASA ITALIANA HALL & CULTURAL CENTER
595 Third Street, NW | Washington, DC 20002
METRO RAIL: RED LINE - Judiciary Square stop.

The Abruzzo Molise Heritage Society Link > https://www.abruzzomol... (https://www.abruzzomoliseheritagesociety.org)
FRIENDS are welcome! INFO: Joe Novello, 301-927-4766 or Maria D’Andrea, 703-998-6097
LUNCH PRICE: $20.00 members; $23.00 non-members.
PAID RESERVATIONS must be made by JUNE 5, 2012 (see below).

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"IL DUCE" attempted to recreate the Roman Empire
with ancient Roman symbols: The EAGLE + SALUTE + FASCI

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Originally a member of the Italian Socialist Party and editor of the Avanti! Socialist newspaper from 1912 to 1914, Mussolini fought in World War I as an ardent nationalist and created the Fasci di Combattimento in 1919, catalyzing his nationalist and socialist beliefs in the Fascist Manifesto, published in 1921.

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The "FASCI" a symbol of ancient Rome and Mussolini's Fascism

The term fascism (fascismo) is derived from the Italian “fasci” and the Latin word fasces. The fasces consisted of a bundle of rods, tied around an axe – the symbol of the civic magistrate’s authority in ancient Rome. They were carried by his "lictors" and depending on the civil infraction both rods + axe could be used for corporal and capital punishment at the magistrate's command. They were also the ancient Roman Senate’s symbol of unity and power.

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Today, you can find the "fasci" as the symbol of the U.S. House of Representatives on both sides behind the center stage of the chamber.

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The U.S. flag surrounded by ancient Rome's symbol the "FASCI" @ center stage
U.S. House of Representatives

Mussolini was among the founders of Italian Fascism, which included elements of nationalism, corporatism, national syndicalism, expansionism, social progress, and anti-socialism in combination with censorship of subversives and state propaganda.

The Fascisti, led by Mussolini formed armed squads of WW I veterans called Blackshirts (or squadristi) with the goal of restoring order to the streets of Italy with a strong hand. The blackshirts clashed with communists, socialists, and anarchists without much government interference and eventually marched on Rome to seize political power.

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Mussolini's March on Rome with "Le Camicie Nere" (Black Shirts) – Oct.1922

Following the March on Rome in October 1922 Mussolini became the 27th Prime Minister of Italy and in 1925 began using the title "Il Duce", thus establishing a dictatorial authority and creating a totalitarian state. After 1936, his official title was Sua Eccellenza Benito Mussolini, Capo del Governo, Duce del Fascismo e Fondatore dell'Impero ("His Excellency Benito Mussolini, Head of Government, Duce of Fascism, and Founder of the Empire"). In Italian we say: "Chi piu' ne ha, piu' ne metta" (the more you have, the more you add).

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At the outbreak of WW II and convinced that the war would soon be over with a German invasion of neighboring France and a victory likely at that point, Mussolini (after some hesitation) decided to enter the war on the Axis side (Germany+Japan) on 10 June 1940.

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Among the domestic achievements of Mussolini from the years 1924–1939 were: Public works programs such as the taming of the Pontine Marshes, the improvement of job opportunities, the public transport, and the so-called Italian economic battles.

In April 1945, the Allied invasion of Italy was underway and with total defeat looming, Mussolini attempted to escape north toward Austria, only to be quickly captured and summarily executed near Lake Como by Italian partisans. His body was then taken to Milano where it was hung upside down at a gas station for public viewing and to provide confirmation of his demise.

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Mussolini’s body – second from left – Piazzale Loreto, Milano 1945

PROGRAM
Come join us for a discussion of the “THE RISE AND FALL” of Benito Mussolini, the Fascist dictator. The program will highlight his rise from near obscurity to prominence in Italian history and on the world stage, to his demise as an individual and dictator during such dangerously insecure and fragile times, which encompassed the period of World War I and World War II. The program will be presented by AMHS member Louis A. DeSanti, PhD. It is based on the captured papers of Mussolini, which Louis translated himself into the published book “The U.S. and Mussolini.”

LUNCH MENU
Lasagna, vitello pizzaiolo (includes vegetable), salad, and bread, will be provided by Pasta Plus, Laurel, MD (owned by AMHS members Massimo & Sabatino Mazziotti). Dessert, wine, water, soft drinks, and coffee are included. Please note that AMHS cannot accommodate specific dietary requests and/or restrictions.

For info call Joe Novello, 301-927-4766 or Maria D’Andrea, 703-998-6097

RESERVATION FORM - FRIENDS ARE WELCOME!
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Reservation for AMHS Meeting on SUNDAY, JUNE 10, 2012 @ 1:00 PM
PAID RESERVATIONS must be made by JUNE 5, 2012
LUNCH PRICE: $20.00 Members; $23.00 Non-Members

Please make check payable to AMHS. Send to AMHS
c/o Joe Novello, 7035 Hunter Lane, Hyattsville, MD 20782

NAME: _____________________________________________ Phone: __________
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