Why does Chicago have a monument named for fascist leader Italo Balbo?

About this episode

The episode explores the history and significance of a monument in Chicago dedicated to fascist leader Italo Balbo.

There’s an ancient Roman column in Chicago hidden in plain sight near Soldier Field. It was a gift given by Italian Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini during the 1933-1934 Chicago World’s Fair, commemorating a daring transatlantic flight to the fair by Italian Air Marshal Italo Balbo. In a time when controversial monuments get removed, why does this one still stand?

Topics covered

• monuments
• fascism
• Chicago history
• cultural controversies
• World's Fair

Keywords

• Italo Balbo
• Benito Mussolini
• Chicago monument
• fascism
• World's Fair
• Soldier Field
• controversial monuments

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Chicago, Soldier Field

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