To What Extent was Mussolini's Rise to Power a Direct Consequence of WW1?

The first 200 words of this essay...

To What Extent was Mussolini's Rise to Power a Direct Consequence of WW1?

Italians were divided on their decision of whether or not join WW1. Most Nationalists were in favour of joining, and although the King wished for peace, the government decided to see which side would offer the best terms. After signing The Treaty Of London with B and F which offered them huge territorial gains they eventually declared war on Austria in May 1915. The Nationalist poet d'Annunzio made a speech in which he showed his enthusiasm for the war, "We shall now fight our war, and blood will flow from the veins of Italy. We are the last to enter the struggle but will be among the first to find glory". In reality although Italy was on the victorious side they did not find glory and their country was severely affected. Was it therefore inevitable that someone with Mussolini's' personality and drive would eventually take power in post war Italy?

WW1 proved disastrous for Italy, the land they had been promised in the Treaty of London, the deal made with B and F was not given to them. The people of Italy felt that the