106 years ago today, on March 23, 1919 (February 22, 1919 in the lunar calendar), Benito Mussolini founded the "Fighting Fascist" party. Italian fascist leader Mussolini On March 23, 1919, Italy was plagued by strikes, social unrest and the collapse of Congress after the war. Benito Mussolini organized a new movement. His "fighting fascist" wanted to fight liberal and communist forces through aggressive nationalism and rigorous military training.