As an expert in modern history, I can provide an overview of the actions taken by Benito Mussolini to expand the Italian empire during his tenure as the head of the Fascist government in Italy, which began in 1922.

Step 1: The March on Rome
Mussolini's rise to power was marked by the infamous "March on Rome" in October 1922. This event, though not a military conquest, was a pivotal moment that allowed him to seize control of the Italian government and set the stage for his imperial ambitions.

Step 2: Consolidation of Power
Once in power, Mussolini focused on consolidating his rule and establishing a totalitarian state. He suppressed opposition, controlled the media, and created a cult of personality around himself, which was essential for the mobilization of national support for his expansionist policies.

Step 3: The Doctrine of Fascism
Mussolini developed a doctrine of fascism that emphasized nationalism, militarism, and the centralization of authority. This ideology was used to justify the expansion of Italian territories and to appeal to Italian nationalists who felt that Italy had not received its fair share of colonial territories after World War I.

Step 4: Invasion of Ethiopia (1935-1936)
One of Mussolini's most significant moves to expand the Italian empire was the invasion of Ethiopia in 1935. This act of aggression was justified under the guise of restoring Italian prestige and fulfilling the dream of a new Roman Empire. The use of chemical weapons and the brutal tactics employed by Italian forces led to international condemnation but also resulted in the annexation of Ethiopia into the Italian Empire.

Step 5: Mediterranean Expansion
Mussolini sought to establish Italy as a dominant power in the Mediterranean, often referred to as "Mare Nostrum" (Our Sea) by the Romans. He pursued policies aimed at expanding Italian influence in the region, which included the establishment of military bases and the signing of treaties with neighboring countries.

Step 6: The Spanish Civil War
During the Spanish Civil War, Mussolini supported General Francisco Franco and the Nationalist forces, seeing it as an opportunity to extend Italian influence into Spain. Italian troops and resources were sent to aid Franco, further demonstrating Mussolini's desire to expand the Italian sphere of influence.

Step 7: Alliance with Nazi Germany
Mussolini formed an alliance with Adolf Hitler's Germany, known as the Axis Powers, which further emboldened his expansionist goals. This alliance provided military and diplomatic support for Italy's imperial ambitions.

**Step 8: World War II and Further Expansion**
With the onset of World War II, Mussolini aimed to take advantage of the conflict to expand Italian territories further. Italy annexed parts of France, Yugoslavia, and Greece, among others, during the war. However, these gains were short-lived as the tide of the war turned against the Axis Powers.

**Step 9: The Fall of Mussolini and the End of the Empire**
Mussolini's ambitions ultimately led to Italy's downfall in World War II. His regime was overthrown in 1943, and the Italian Social Republic was established with German support. After the war, Italy was stripped of its colonies, and the era of Italian colonialism came to an end.

Step 10: Post-War and Decolonization
As mentioned in the provided content, when Somalia became independent in 1960, it marked the end of Italy's colonial endeavors that had spanned eight decades.

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The Fascist government that came to power with Benito Mussolini in 1922 sought to increase the size of the Italian empire and to satisfy the claims of Italian irredentists. ... When Somalia became independent in 1960, Italy's eight-decade experiment with colonialism had ended.read more >>