Mussolini Also Did a Lot of Good

A 2019 Italian Bestseller Surgically, but with wit, Francesco Filippi demolishes each and every myth that has taken root about Mussolini and fascism in an uplifting handbook for political and intellectual self-defense. No stones are left unturned, including the colonial devastation of Libya and Ethiopia. Legend would have it that Mussolini put roofs over Italians heads, developed the economy, had trains running on time, stood up for justice and against the mafia, protected the Jews from Nazi Germany, was a feminist, and put Italy on the map as a respected power. The founder of fascisms only mistake was allying with Hitler. Though this is entirely false, it didnt prevent Antonio Tahani, president of the European Union, from declaring in 2019 that if we must be honest, he [Mussolini] did positive things to realize infrastructures he reclaimed many parts of our Italy. In fact, only 6 percent of the improvements referred to were done during the 21 years of fascist rule. Though written first for Italians, this book is relevant and timely for North Americans. Through a study of Mussolini and Italy, Filippi shows how such legends are built on webs of lie, manipulation of History, and constant uncontested repetition, explaining at the same time why so many people fall victim to the propaganda.