Mussolini restored order in Italy and industrial strikes were totally banned. Communists were mercilessly massacred. Education was brought under State control to spread fascist ideas. Mussolini realized the importance of securing the support of Church for his regime. So, he made peace with Pope Pius XI by signing the ‘Lateran Treaty’ in 1929. The Pope recognized the Kingdom of Italy, and in return, Mussolini recognized the independence of the Vatican. Through Fascism, Mussolini enforced order and discipline. He encouraged the production of electricity and used natural resources for the increase in foreign trade.

He improved agriculture and developed the Italian industry. Trade and commerce were revived. Construction of railways and shipbuilding were given top priority. Militarism was the main feature of the Fascist Party and compulsory military training was introduced. The army, navy, and air force were strengthened. Further, in order to increase the population, Italian parents with large families were rewarded with incentives like tax exemption, employment, etc.

After consolidating the internal affairs of Italy, Mussolini embarked on his mission of expansion of Italy. He publicly declared, “Italy must expand or perish”. He followed a vigorous and aggressive foreign policy and started his invasions.