The establishment of the Fascist movement in Milan marked a pivotal moment in Italian history. Benito Mussolini, previously an editor and socialist, transitioned his views after World War I, believing that Italy needed a robust nationalist movement to address the chaos and dissatisfaction rampant in post-war society. On March 23, 1919, he gathered a diverse group of veterans, disgruntled workers, and middle-class citizens at the Piazza San Sepolcro to launch the Fasci Italiani di Combattimento.

Mussolini's movement initially emphasized Italian nationalism and sought to unify various discontented factions under a strong leadership that could restore order and revive the nation's glory. It positioned itself against socialism and communism, capitalizing on widespread fears of radical leftist movements gaining traction in the wake of the war. The movement’s symbol, the fasces, represented strength through unity and appealed greatly to an Italian populace seeking direction and stability.

The rhetoric employed by Mussolini was bold and provocative, using slogans like 'Believe, Obey, Fight,' which resonated with those longing for national pride. Importantly, Mussolini learned to harness the emotions of the street, organizing militant groups that would later become known as the Blackshirts, which served to intimidate opposition and spread Fascist ideology. What started as a small political faction rapidly grew, influencing the course of Italian politics for decades to come.