 At first the Fascist movement had difficulty gaining power, however it quickly drew attention through its ominous acts of violence.The movement grew exponentially from 1920 onwards with ‘Fasci di Combattimento’ launching assaults in Northern Italy in rural areas, and contributing to the suppression of all other political and trade union organisations .‘Fasci’ membership grew rapidly, and Mussolini soon declared war on socialist organisations , this led to ‘punitive expeditions’ of ‘squadre’ in the countryside to dismiss Socialist headquarters and fracture trade unions .During the election period of 1921, the violence continued despite Mussolini’s electoral success .