End of WWI
An armistice was signed between the Allies and Germany at Compiègne, France, officially ending the fighting of World War I.
Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles was signed, formally ending the war. It imposed territorial losses and heavy reparations on Germany, which was forced to accept responsibility for the war under the "War Guilt Clause."
Fascist Party Becomes Official
The paramilitary Fasci Italiani di Combattimento (Italian Fasces of Combat), founded by Benito Mussolini, was reorganized and officially became the **National Fascist Party (PNF)** in Rome.
Mussolini becomes PM of Italy
Following the "March on Rome" by his Blackshirts, King Victor Emmanuel III appointed **Benito Mussolini** as Prime Minister of Italy, transferring power to the Fascists.
Acerbo Law Passed
The Acerbo Law was passed. This electoral reform stipulated that the party with the largest share of the vote—provided they had gained at least **25%**—would automatically receive **two-thirds** of the seats in Parliament, allowing Mussolini to strengthen his grip on power.
Mussolini's Coalition Wins Election
The general election was held under the new Acerbo Law. Mussolini's National List coalition won **64.9%** of the popular vote and secured **374** seats (over two-thirds) in the Chamber of Deputies, amidst widespread intimidation of opposition voters.
U.S. Stock Market Crashes
The most devastating day of the Wall Street Crash, known as **"Black Tuesday,"** occurred. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 12% on this day, contributing to a total loss of nearly **90%** of the market's value by 1932.
Great Depression Hits Peak Unemployment
The economic crisis deepened, reaching its peak in the U.S. in 1933. The unemployment rate hit its highest point, affecting nearly **25%** (24.9%) of the total workforce, or over 12 million people.
Italy’s Invasion of Ethiopia
Italy, seeking colonial expansion and revenge for a previous defeat, invaded the independent African nation of Ethiopia (then Abyssinia). This act of aggression led to the **Second Italo-Ethiopian War** and violated the League of Nations' covenant.
Racial Laws (Regio Decreto 17)
Mussolini's government enacted the Royal Decree (Regio Decreto Legge n. 1728), part of the anti-Jewish **Italian Racial Laws**. These laws revoked citizenship from Italian Jews who had acquired it after 1919 and ordered all foreign Jews to leave the country.
Italian Invasion of Albania
Mussolini's forces launched a brief but decisive military campaign against the Kingdom of Albania, which was conquered and annexed in five days by April 12, 1939, as part of Italy's imperialistic drive.
WWII Begins
World War II began when Germany invaded Poland. In response to the invasion, Great Britain and France declared war on Germany, starting the global conflict.
