As defined by Merian and Webster dictionary Fascism is "A system of government marked by centralization of authority under a dictator, stringent socioeconomic controls, suppression of the opposition through terror and censorship, and typically a policy of belligerent nationalism and racism." Both Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler practiced this form of government in their own right. Both were dictators with a strong sense of nationalism and both believed themselves to be the absolute ruling. While both had they some same ideas about fascism, each eventually expanded their beliefs into their own branch of fascism. .
Benito Mussolini came into power in 1922 Italy by means of the "March of Rome." He used the decline of Italy's political, social and economical powers after World War I to help him gain power and the support of the Italians. He was eventually appointed Prime Minister by King Victor Emmanuel III after threatening nothing but violence and misery upon Italy if he was not appointed.
Like his fascist partner, Hitler, Mussolini was able to use propaganda to sway the minds of the Italian people. He issued what was to be taught in schools and anyone who disagreed with his party or its ideas was eliminated. He used strict censorship to limit other political parties from trying to rise into power. Mussolini gave himself the name "Il Duce" or "the Leader".
Some of his fascist ideas strayed from what ideological fascist views were at the time. Like fascist ideology, Mussolini was anti-democratic because he wanted to be the absolute ruler and achieved this when he became dictator of Italy. However, unlike fascism, he did not believe in a utopian society because he felt things needed to be seen through realism. There was no such thing as perfect order and wanted the Italian people to understand things as they are. Mussolini was against the idea of an individual mind. He wanted everyone to think what he thought and not for themselves.