Benito Mussolini

Benito Amilcare Andrea Mussolini (1883-1945) was an Italian politician. He was the leader of the Fascist Party, founded in 1919 at the end of World War I. Mussolini was a teacher and journalist who wrote for left-wing newspapers. He enlisted in the army, rising to the rank of sergeant. In 1922, he organized the "March on Rome," and with the support of King Victor Emmanuel III, he formed the government, becoming the Prime Minister of Italy. Through fraudulent elections, the fascists gained a majority in parliament. In 1925, Mussolini became the "Duce" (Supreme Leader of Italy).