Benito Amilcare Andrea Mussolini, KSMOM GCTE (29 July 1883, Predappio, Province of Forli-Cesena- 28 April 1945) was an Italian politician who led the National Fascist Party and is credited with being one of the key figures in the creation of Fascism. He became the 40th Prime Minister of Italy in 1922 and began using the title II Duce by 1925. After 1936, his official title was āHis Excellency Benito Mussolini, Head of Government, Duce of Fascism, and Founder of the Empireā. Mussolini also created and held the supreme military rank of First Marshal of the Empire along with King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy, which gave him and the King joint supreme control over the military of Italy. Mussolini remained in power until he was replaced in 1943, for a short period until his death, he was the leader of the Italian Social Republic.