When Mussolini stepped into the role of prime minister in 1922, he wasn’t immediately all-powerful. Think of him as a new kid in school who needed to make some alliances and friends.

• Important Fact: His party, the Fascists, weren’t the popular kids yet. They didn’t have a majority in parliament.
• Early Squad: Mussolini had to form a group with other parties, mostly Liberals and Popolari. It’s like forming a project team with members from different cliques.

🍩 Fun Fact: Conservatives thought Mussolini's reign was like a short-lived TikTok trend – it’d fade away soon.

Mussolini played it smart. Imagine him as a cunning chess player.

• The Reassuring Hand: He behaved like a gentleman with the conservative forces, trying to convince them that giving him more power would be a win-win.
• The Intimidating Hand: Picture Mussolini with a secret army of Blackshirts, the school bullies who would threaten anyone opposing him.

In November 1922, Mussolini pulled out an old card from Italy’s history – the 'rule by decree.'

• What’s that?: It’s like a teacher getting the power to change school rules without asking anyone. But Mussolini promised it was just until things got better.
  • Catch: The Fascist squads were causing most of the chaos. But others were scared of a potential uprising by the Socialists, much like fearing the “bad group” in school.
• History Check: Italy had used this “rule by decree” tactic since 1870 during times of trouble.
  • Who’s in Favor?: Popular kids like Giolitti, Facta, and Salandra supported this move. Only the Socialists and Communists raised their hands in opposition.