CROCIERA AEREA DEL DECENNALE 1933 - XI

During Benito Mussolini's 10th year in power he commissioned 24 planes to travel to Chicago for the 1933 'Century of Progress' World's Fair. The squadron, led by General Italo Balbo (1896-1940) flew in a skillful formation accross Europe to the U.S and then back to Rome. The planes descended on Chicago in a dramatic swoop and received an enthusiastic welcome from the public causing a media sensation. This landmark event was a highly successful public relations exercise for Italy's facist government and this poster was used to convey the "increasing friendship between the people of Italy and the people of the United States"(Balbo in The New York Times, 16 July 1934).