Second World War - Mussolini

This lesson explores the rise of Benito Mussolini and the establishment of fascist rule in Italy from 1919 to 1925. Students will learn about the socio-economic factors that contributed to Mussolini’s rise, his use of violence and propaganda, and key events like the March on Rome. Activities include video analysis, sorting timeline events, and writing a PEEKA paragraph. The lesson concludes with a discussion on Mussolini’s impact on Italy and European politics.

Lesson Content and Activities:

Introduction:
Discuss the historical context of post-World War I Italy, including economic depression and political instability.
Watch a video on the rise of Mussolini and create a spider diagram to note key points.

Quiz-Quiz-Trade Activity:
Walk around the classroom and partner up to ask and answer questions using the provided question cards.
Trade question cards after each interaction.

Who Was Mussolini?
Learn about Benito Mussolini, the formation of the Fascist Party in 1919, and his rise to power.
Discuss his use of nationalism and authoritarianism.

Timeline Activity:
Sort timeline cards into the correct chronological order, covering key events such as the formation of the Fascist Party, the Biennio Rosso, the use of Black Shirts, the March on Rome, and the establishment of dictatorship.

Factors Contributing to Mussolini’s Rise:
Examine the “Mutilated Victory” and its influence on Italian politics.
Discuss the fear of communism and the Biennio Rosso.
Analyze Mussolini’s use of violence and propaganda, including the Black Shirts and media control.

Writing Task:
Write a PEEKA paragraph explaining one key factor that contributed to Mussolini’s rise to power.
Use the PEEKA structure: Point, Evidence, Explain, Knowledge (extra), Answer the question.

Class Discussion:
Share and discuss the PEEKA paragraphs.
Reflect on Mussolini’s impact on Italy and the broader European political landscape.

Resources:
Video link on Mussolini’s rise
Spider diagram template
Timeline cards for sorting
Question cards for Quiz-Quiz-Trade activity
PEEKA paragraph guidelines

From a series of over 30 Second World War lessons made by Wolsey Academy. They provide a thorough foundation of knowledge in this vital period of 20th Century History and each lesson looks to focus on a range of historical skills and exam techniques to equip students with knowledge and transferable research, analysis and study skills.
To find the complete bundle search on the Wolsey Academy website.

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