Behind the Bastards Presents: Cool People Who Did Cool Stuff
Behind the Bastards
Deep Dive
Who was Gaetano Bresci and why did he assassinate King Umberto I?
Gaetano Bresci was an Italian anarchist and weaver who emigrated to the U.S. He assassinated King Umberto I in 1900 to avenge the massacre of at least 80 protesters during food riots in Italy in 1898, for which the king awarded the responsible general a Medal of Honor.
What was Mussolini's early political affiliation before he became a fascist?
Benito Mussolini started his political career as a socialist and was even a member of the Socialist Party. He was influenced by anarchist theory and remained friendly with anarchists, translating works by anarchist Peter Kropotkin. However, he was eventually expelled from the Socialist Party for supporting Italy's involvement in World War I.
Who was Violet Gibson and what was her attempt on Mussolini's life?
Violet Gibson was a 49-year-old Irish woman and committed Catholic socialist who shot Mussolini in the face on April 7, 1926. She grazed his nose but failed to kill him when he turned his head at the last moment. Her motive was primarily religious, aiming to 'glorify God' by killing Mussolini, whom she saw as a tyrant.
What was the significance of the Sacco and Vanzetti case in relation to Mussolini?
The Sacco and Vanzetti case was a highly publicized trial of two Italian-American anarchists accused of murder in the U.S. Mussolini used the case to stir up nationalism in Italy and portray himself as a protector of Italians worldwide. He even attempted to intervene on their behalf, contrasting the U.S. justice system unfavorably with Italy's.
Who was Gino Lucetti and what was his attempt to assassinate Mussolini?
Gino Lucetti was an Italian anarchist who attempted to assassinate Mussolini in 1926 by throwing a grenade at his car. The grenade, made by his cousin, failed to penetrate the windshield. Lucetti was arrested, sentenced to 30 years in prison, and died during a U.S. air raid in 1943.
What was the outcome of Michele Schiru's attempt to kill Mussolini?
Michele Schiru, an anarchist, planned to bomb Mussolini in 1931 but was arrested before he could carry out the attack. He shot three police officers and attempted suicide, but all survived. He was tried, sentenced to death, and executed by a firing squad of 24 fascists.
Who was Mario Buda and what was his role in anarchist history?
Mario Buda was an Italian anarchist suspected of orchestrating the 1920 Wall Street bombing, which killed 40 people, mostly children. He later became a fascist informant in Italy, foiling anarchist attempts to assassinate Mussolini. His actions made him one of the most controversial figures in anarchist history.
What was the fate of Angelo Pellegrino Sibard Aletto?
Angelo Pellegrino Sibard Aletto was an anarchist who attempted to assassinate Mussolini in 1932. He was arrested with bombs and a pistol, tortured, and confessed to his plan. He was tried in a show trial, refused to ask for clemency, and was executed by firing squad. His burial site was hidden by the fascist government.
- Multiple assassination attempts on Mussolini from various political ideologies
- Mussolini's effective use of attempts on his life to gain public support
- The role of Italian nationalism and anti-fascism in these attempts
Shownotes Transcript