Benito Mussolini

Mussolini, Benito (1883–1945), founder of Fascism, dictator of Italy (1924–43). Editor of the Socialist party paper (1912–14), Mussolini split with the Socialists when he advocated Italy's entry in World War I. In 1919 he formed a Fascist group in Milan; in 1921 he was elected to parliament and founded the National Fascist party. In 1922 he led the Fascist march on Rome and was made premier. His dictatorship ended parliamentry government in 1928. As Duce leader he signed the Lateran Treaty, creating Vatican City, in 1929. He conquered Ethiopia (1935–36) and annexed Albania in 1939. Joining Hitler in 1940, he declared war on the Allies but suffered great military failures in North Africa and Greece. Mussolini was imprisoned by the king (1943), only to be made a puppet ruler in northern Italy by the Germans. He was shot by partisans after the German defeat.

See also: Fascism; World War II; Italy.