Benito Mussolini was a well known Socialist before World War 1. But the lead up to Italy's entry into the conflict caused a split between the Socialists and the pro-interventionist Fasci. During the war, Mussolini was sent to the Isonzo Front where he became even more popular. After being sent home, he continued his agitation with great financial support from France, Britain and Italian industrialists.

Ernest Shackelton set sail for the Antarctic when most young men in Europe were setting sail to fight a war. While millions of them died, he was completely isolated trying to survive the harsh conditions. Shackelton's expediton was probably one of the last grand ventures from the age of wonder and when he reached civilisation again, the world had truly gone mad.