In 1926, Mussolini nationalized the Opera Nazionale Balilla, named after the mythical boy who drove the Austrians out of Genoa in 1746, to promote fascism among children in Italy. By 1932 membership in the organization became compulsory. Children received real muskets and military officers trained them in the art of war. Herblock’s ironic title, using words spoken by Jesus in the Bible, contrasts Jesus’ concern for the welfare of children with Mussolini’s exploitation of them.