Interbellum Italy was in turmoil for years, as the Versailles Treaty that ended WW I failed to deliver them the lands they’d expected, and an economic crisis brought on by Italy’s participation in the war took down the ruling government. A series of short-lived replacements followed, none lasting more than a handful of months, while Benito Mussolini, a prominent socialist, and his Fascist party promised reunification and opposition to communism. His campaign struck a chord with people, and Mussolini was elected to the Italian government, with his Fascists gradually gaining political power as well.

On this day, October 30, in 1922, after a round of elections brought the Fascist party the majority of the vote, Mussolini became Prime Minister of Italy.

Mussolini sped up the election by organizing a force of around 20,000 men and leading them into Rome to confront the monarchy. He demanded the king put him, Mussolini, in place of the current governor. Fearing that a military response would provoke a civil war, the king acceded to Mussolini’s request.