Benito Mussolini

About Benito Mussolini

The Italian fascist dictator who ruled from 1922 to 1943. Mussolini created the first fascist state and inspired Hitler and other dictators. He invaded Ethiopia in 1935 and allied with Nazi Germany. Mussolini was deposed in 1943 but rescued by German commandos and installed as head of a puppet state in northern Italy. He was captured by Italian partisans in April 1945 and executed by firing squad. His body was hung upside down at a petrol station in Milan. Mussolini transformed Italy into a one party dictatorship but ultimately led his country to ruin.