Which dictator was the leader of Italy during the rise of Fascism?

The leader of Italy during the rise of Fascism was Benito Mussolini. He established a totalitarian regime that emphasized nationalism, militarism, and the authority of the state over individual rights. Mussolini's leadership began in the early 1920s when he capitalized on social unrest and economic instability in Italy after World War I. He developed the Fascist Party, promoting a strong central government and the idea of a revival of the Roman Empire. His regime was characterized by the suppression of opposition, censorship of the press, and aggressive foreign policies, which aligned with the broader Fascist movement that spread across Europe during that period. His activities laid the groundwork for Italy’s participation in World War II on the side of the Axis Powers.