(A) leader of Germany
(B) ** leader of Italy
(C) leader of Soviet Union
(D) leader of France
EXPLANATIONS BELOW
Concept note-1: -Benito Mussolini was an Italian political leader who became the fascist dictator of Italy from 1925 to 1945. Originally a revolutionary socialist and a newspaper journalist and editor, he forged Italy’s violent paramilitary fascist movement in 1919 and declared himself prime minister in 1922.
Concept note-2: -By 1925 Mussolini had dismantled Italy’s democratic institutions and assumed his role as dictator, adopting the title Il Duce (“The Leader”).
Concept note-3: -With his Blackshirts and other supporters swarming the streets of Rome, Mussolini demanded that the king appoint him prime minister. The king gave in, and at age 39, Mussolini became Italy’s youngest prime minister on October 29, 1922.
Concept note-4: -Mussolini, known as “Il Duce” (the Leader), ruled as a dictator from that point on. He fostered a cult of personality, projecting himself as an omnipotent and indispensable leader. His government expelled all opposition, including Socialist members and arrested all Communist members of Parliament.
Concept note-5: -Mussolini proved that fascism does work and that by using force and intimidation, a country can become strong. Mussolini was able to rebuild Italy by creating infrastructure in the north and south and by creating many jobs for his people.