Final answer:
In October 1922, Benito Mussolini marched on Rome with his Fascist party and was appointed as Italy's prime minister by the king to prevent civil unrest, marking the beginning of his dictatorial regime.
Step-by-step explanation:
October 1922 marked a significant change in Italian politics when Benito Mussolini marched on Rome with his Fascist party, demanding that the king put him in power. Fearing a potential civil war and seeing Mussolini as a buffer against communism, King Victor Emmanuel III appointed Mussolini as prime minister.
Once in power, Mussolini rapidly dismantled Italian democracy, establishing a totalitarian regime. He would refer to himself as "Il Duce" (the leader), a title symbolizing his absolute authority over the state. His rule was characterized by manipulation of the political process, suppression of opponents, and the establishment of the Fascist party as the only legal political entity in Italy.
His march on Rome was a crucial step that solidified Mussolini's power and began his 20-year reign as Italy's dictator, which only ended with his removal from power in 1943. The famous march and subsequent political maneuvers were pivotal in Mussolini's quest to control Italy and realize his fascist vision for the nation which emphasized the motto: "believe, obey, fight."