CRISTOGIANNI BORSELLA

Summary of Fascist Italy, September 24, 2007

This book gives a concise history of Mussolini and the first Fascist regime. The book starts with an introduction by Adolph Caso describing his childhood memories growing up in an Italian village during the wartime years, his family's experience and his observations on moving to America.

The text proper summarizes Mussolini's early political associations, the state of Italy beginning some time prior to World War I and conditions following that conflict. The reader is introduced to the thinkers and activists who formulated the various doctrines that influenced Mussolini although eventually he adhered to none of them as originally conceived.

Mention is made of the other great dictators and `isms' of this period and the reader is reminded that bad as he was and although not hesitant to use violence to achieve his objectives, Mussolini did not engage in mass killings, nor did he institute the concentration camps or gulags of other regimes.

Mussolini formed a compact with the Vatican with which he restored relations and did not appear to be antagonistic to religion. He was not a racist although when he became a dependent and lackey of Hitler during World War II, he did promulgate anti Semitic laws. Prior to this Jews held prominent positions in his regime.

The author does a commendable job of laying out the conditions under which Fascism (or other `isms') arises and from time to time the reader may find some of the comparisons with our present situation disturbing. However, the book closes with a reassuring conclusion in this regard and points out how the Constitution and our system of checks and balances create a considerable obstacle to any individual or party seeking to establish a totalitarian regime in this country.