Fascism was the belief and political system that Mussolini initiated in Italy. The Fascist Party established in 1919 encouraged militarism and extreme nationalism; It stood for authority, strength and discipline. But Fascism initially was a vague political idea and even Mussolini did not know in clear terms what actually it meant. However, the Fascists were much stronger in Italy by the end of 1920.
The Fascists were supported by the industrialists, the middle class, nationalists and discontented youths. In 1921 election the Fascist Party won only 35 seats in the Parliament. Even with such a small number of representatives Mussolini by a show of strength could form the government.
The Italian king invited Mussolini to form government. The government was given the full power to restore law and order and carry out essential reforms. In the 1924 elections the Fascists manipulated to obtain 65 per cent of the votes.
Armed with the verdict Mussolini introduced press censorship. The opposition parties were dissolved. Meanwhile the opposition had withdrawn from the parliament. Thus there was the end of democracy. Parliament now became only a rubber stamp for Mussolini’s wishes. In 1926 Mussolini became the dictator of Italy assuming the title Induce. The power was now concentrated in Mussolini’s hands. He had the power to legislate by decrees.