This class is designed to support students preparing for I.B./A.P./GCSE/A-Level History examinations. Due to the high-interest level of the content of the course non-exam students are encouraged to join. This is a discussion-based class with an emphasis upon historical source analysis activities. 

Mussolini's Italy was shaped by war and the idea of war. Fascism was born out of Italy's experience in the First World War and the social and political upheavals of 1919-22 . Fascism eventually collapsed ( twice-once in 1943 and again in 1945 ) because of the military defeats that resulted from Mussolini's fatal decision to enter the Second World War in 1940. In between, Mussolini first established a fascist dictatorship and then attempted to transform Italians into Fascists through totalitarian ideology, and to establish a New Roman Empire in Africa and the Mediterranean. In the end, Mussolini left Italy in a rather worse situation than he found it and his imperial ambitions led to disastrous defeats . Whether Mussolini was a failure throughout his rule, or only failed because he ruined his own early successes by making a wrong decision in June 1 940, is the key question at the heart of this class.

STRUCTURE of CLASS: 

Month of NOVEMBER 

Establishing the fascist regime, 1922-29
The rise to power
Making Italians into Fascists

Month of DECEMBER

The Corporate State
The Italian economy
The Living standards of the Italian people under the Corporate State

Month of JANUARY

Fascist ideology and social change
Society and culture in Fascist Italy
The extent of social change

MONTH of FEBRUARY

Italian foreign policy, 1923-39
Mussolini the statesman, 1923-35
Fascist aggression, 1935-40

Month of MARCH

War and the fall of Mussolini, 1940-45
Mussolini's war, 1940-43
The end of Fascism, 1943-45
Conclusion

Timelines
Key events are outlined at the beginning of or at the end of each class. The events will be presented on a colour-coded chart so you can clearly see the categories of change.
Learning objectives
At the beginning of each class we will discuss a list of learning objectives that contain targets linked to the requirements of the specification.
Key chronology
Each class will work with short list of dates usually with a focus on a specific event or legislation.
Key profile
During each class a profile of a key person(s) you should be aware of to fully understand the period in question.
Key terms
Each class will work with key terms/concepts that you will need to be able to define and understand
A closer look
An in-depth look at a theme, person or event to deepen your understanding. Activities around the extra information may be included.
Sources
We will use a variety of historical sources to reinforce topics or themes and may provide fact or opinion. They may be quotations from historical works (bibliography below), contemporaries of the period or photographs.
Cross-reference
Links to related content within the class which may offer more detail on the subject in question.
Activity
During class we will use various activIty types (e.g., source analysis questions) to provide you with different challenges and opportunities to demonstrate both the content and skills you are learning. Some can be worked on individually, some as part of group work and some are designed to specifically 'stretch and challenge' .