Authors:

Isabella Steele

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About Paper:

My paper analyzes the narrative constructed by Benito Mussolini about Italian colonization in Fascist Italy. The methodology | will use to address this topic is archival research specifically using Mussolini's speeches in the Opera Omnia. After synthesizing these speeches (and using them to collect qualitative data), | have found that the political speech of Mussolini justifying the colonization of Ethiopia can be divided into two thematic categories: speeches that make the Fascist Regime into the rebirth of a new Roman Empire, and speeches that create a racist narrative that Italians are superior to Ethiopians. Mussolini gave speeches addressing Blackshirts in various cities and towns around Italy in the months leading up to the 1935 invasion. Although he did not specifically reference the Roman Empire in these speeches, or Italian colonization, he did speak in a way meant to inspire patriotism and strength in the Blackshirts: two traits the Italian populace needed if it was to rebuild itself into an empire. Additionally, in these speeches Mussolini would also appeal to the people of Italy by explaining that they are the ones who can help bring Ethiopia into the future because of their superior civilization-building. These narratives would create a lasting impact on how Italians today view their nation's colonial past. Monuments venerating Italian colonization efforts still stand in places including Rome. This is an ongoing project with a completion date set for April 2026.

Source:

Loyola University Chicago

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Co-authors:

Isabella Steele