ABSTRACT
The apparent pragmatism involved in Mussolini's coming to power in 1922 has frequently sparked off debate about the genuineness of his ideological convictions, and indeed whether Italian Fascism had any real ideology at all. Discussion has also focused around the extent to which Fascism was a child of post-war crisis, the First World War itself or the challenge to the old order emerging in the years before 1914. Although attempts have been made to suggest that Fascism's socialist roots are all-important, most historians have emphasised its anti-Leftist credentials. It can be argued that Mussolini was obliged to make deals to secure power, but the fact remains that these rival conservative power centres remained in play in Italy all through the Fascist era. It was hardly to be expected, therefore, that he would show any deference towards it once he had become prime minister. As a paramilitary force the MVSN fought for Mussolini's ally Franco in the Spanish Civil War.
