#139 – Make Italy Great Again: The Birth of Fascism (Fascism #3)
About this episode
Cameron and Ray explore the rise of fascism in Italy following World War I, focusing on Mussolini's transformation and the socio-political chaos of the time.
In this episode of The Bullshit Filter, Cameron and Ray continue their deep dive into the history of fascism — tracing its emergence from the ashes of World War I to Mussolini’s rise in Italy. They unpack how the trauma of the war radicalised millions, creating fertile ground for authoritarian movements that promised strength, unity, and a return to national glory. Through sharp wit and historical insight, they explore the socioeconomic chaos of postwar Italy — labour strikes, land seizures, and political paralysis — that allowed fascism to masquerade as a stabilising force. Cameron and Ray discuss how Mussolini, once a socialist firebrand, transformed into the prototype fascist leader by weaponising propaganda, street violence, and elite fear of socialism. The episode draws unnerving parallels between Mussolini’s Italy and modern political movements, showing how democracy often erodes not with explosions, but applause. The post #139 – Make Italy Great Again: The Birth of Fascism (Fascism #3) appeared first on The BS Filter .
People in this episode
Hosts: Cameron Reilly, Ray Harris
Topics covered
- fascism
- history
- political movements
- Mussolini
- postwar Italy
- authoritarianism
Keywords
- fascism
- Mussolini
- World War I
- Italy
- authoritarian movements
- political chaos
- socioeconomic
- propaganda
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: fascism
Places: Italy
More episodes of The BS Filter
- Iran, Lies, and the Pentagon Slush Fund – BS Filter #145
- The Rupture – BS Filter 143
- #142 – Fascism Goes Corporate
- #138 – Fascism: The Remix of History’s Worst Ideas (Fascism part 2)
- #137 – What is Fascism? Part 1
- #136 – 20 Years of Napoleon and Friendship
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