Was Mussolini’s focus on creating an Italian Empire a stroke of genius, a political and socio-economic necessity, or a huge blunder?

This assignment will ask you to think like a historian. You will be asked to analyze evidence from the past (primary sources) in order to form conclusions. To do this assignment well you will need to be creative and think critically.

Choose ONE (1) of the analysis projects below (either A or B). Consider carefully the primary source images or document excerpts presented and write a response to each question. You may use the textbook readings and other course resources to help provide further context. Please make sure to provide proper citations (CMS, APA or MLA format) for any and all secondary sources quoted or employed.

Requirements

Compose your Analysis as a Microsoft Word file, 12 pt. Times New Roman font.
Include your name and student number at the top of the page.
Submit your Analysis into the Analysis #2 Dropbox by the posted deadline.
You should also refer to the corresponding Rubric in the “Quizzes and Assignments” Module for information on how this assignment will be
CHOICE A: Mussolini and Fascist Italy in the 1930s

Sources (see textbook pp. 255-298 as well as the Module 5 Slideshow):

Source Background:

See relevant readings in Chapter 8 of the textbook

Analysis Questions:

Write at least 1 full paragraph (5-6 sentences) per question.

1. To what extent can Mussolini’s popularity be attributed to propaganda, and to what extent can it be attributed to his genuine accomplishments? If free and fair elections without the threat of violence were held in Italy in the 1930s, would Mussolini still have won? Why or why not?
2. Was Mussolini’s focus on creating an Italian Empire a stroke of genius, a political and socio-economic necessity, or a huge blunder? Please cite as much evidence as possible to support your argument.
3. How should we interpret the fact that Mussolini allied Fascist Italy economically and militarily with Hitler and Nazi Germany? Was this an “inevitable” alignment that showcases Mussolini’s pragmatism, or was this another huge blunder on Mussolini’s part? Does this prove that Mussolini was an “ineffective albeit evil buffoon who did not know what he was doing” or does it suggest that “Mussolini followed a logical, realistic policy which aimed to strengthen Italy in Europe and build up a colonial empireiqu”? (see textbook p. 279) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwoNCgY0zW4&t=1s&ab_channel=AhistoryofwhatevercontractIgetthissemester

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