Benito Mussolini was born on July 29, 1883, in Predappio, Italy, and rose to power as a prominent political figure in the early 20th century. He is widely known for founding the National Fascist Party and being the leader of Italy from 1922 until his downfall in 1943. Mussolini's rule is primarily remembered for its introduction of [[fascism]], its dictatorial nature, and close alliance with the [[Nazis]] during World War II. Mussolini began his political career as a socialist but eventually drifted towards nationalist and militarist ideas. In 1919, he established the Fasci Italiani di Combattimento, which would later become the National Fascist Party. The party aimed to create a unified Italy under a single [authoritarian government](https://doctorparadox.net/dictionaries/authoritarianism/), stressing [[nationalism]], militarism, and the need for a strong leader. In 1922, Mussolini led the famous "March on Rome," where thousands of his supporters marched to the Italian capital, demanding the resignation of the current government. This event led to King Victor Emmanuel III inviting Mussolini to form a new government, making him the youngest Prime Minister in Italian history at the time. ## Censorship and proaganda: The fascist toolbox Mussolini's rule was marked by the suppression of dissent and the elimination of opposition. He employed various tactics, including [[censorship]], [propaganda](https://doctorparadox.net/dictionaries/authoritarianism/propaganda/), and the establishment of a secret police force called OVRA, to maintain control. The regime's primary goal was to create a totalitarian state that valued the nation above all else, often at the expense of individual liberties. Under Mussolini's leadership, Italy pursued [[totalitarianism]], along with an aggressive foreign policy -- seeking to expand its territories and establish itself as a major world power. This included the invasion of Ethiopia in 1935 and Albania in 1939. Mussolini's actions and ideologies resonated with [[Adolf Hitler]], and in 1936, the two countries formed the Rome-Berlin Axis, solidifying their alliance. During the [[World War II Timeline]], Italy fought alongside Nazi Germany, ultimately leading to its defeat and the collapse of Mussolini's regime. In July 1943, following a series of military failures, Mussolini was arrested and removed from power by King Victor Emmanuel III. He was later rescued by German forces and established a short-lived puppet state in northern Italy called the Italian Social Republic. Mussolini's rule came to a definitive end on April 28, 1945, when he was captured by Italian partisans and executed. His body was later hung upside down in a public square in Milan, symbolizing the end of his dictatorship and the fall of fascism in Italy. Benito Mussolini was a pivotal figure in 20th-century history, known for his [authoritarian rule](https://doctorparadox.net/essential-thinkers-on-authoritarian-personalities/) and the establishment of a fascist regime in Italy. His alliance with Nazi Germany during World War II ultimately led to Italy's defeat and his eventual downfall.