“Fascism is a religion. The twentieth century will go down in history as the century of fascism" (Fascist). These are the words of Benito Mussolini, an Italian journalist who founded his own political party. Born in 1883, Mussolini became involved in socialist politics in Switzerland when he moved there in 1902 (BBC). Although he was active in the Socialist Party, Mussolini began publishing editorials in support of World War I, which he himself wrote in 1915 (Mussolini). This led to his expulsion from the Socialist Party. Ready for a big change, Mussolini brought together many nationalist groups in Italy and formed a single organization under his leadership (Mussolini). Benito Mussolini, who came to power in the aftermath of the Great War, was a violent, military-minded dictator who saw the emergence of the National Fascist Party in Italy. Although known for his extreme fascist ideas, Mussolini did not begin his political career as a right-wing radical. Benito Amilcare Andrea Mussolini was born on 29 July 1883 in Predappio, a municipality in central northern Italy (BBC). Job prospects in Italy were dire, so Mussolini moved to Switzerland in 1902 and became involved in socialist politics, just as his father was (BBC). Known for his exceptional eloquence and charisma, Mussolini quickly earned a reputation among Swiss socialists due to his strong journalistic skills (Bio.com). However, he was unable to find a permanent job, was arrested by the Swiss authorities for vagrancy and returned to Italy in 1904 due to expulsion from Switzerland (Benito). There he continued to develop his public speaking skills and support for socialism (Mussolini). Mussolini was "energetic and authoritative" and......center of paper......Andrea Mussolini." Home. Web. April 15, 2014. "Benito Mussolini." History.com. A&E Television Networks Web. 11 April 2014. Downing, Benito Mussolini. Chicago, IL: Heinemann Library, 2002. Print. “Cults of Fascist Personality: Benito Mussolini.” About.com History of the 20th Century , Marvin and George W. Bock Sources of the Western Tradition: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2014. Print " History.com. A&E Television Networks. Web. April 25. 2014..