Who is Benito Mussolini from History: A Novel and what is their importance?

The Fascist dictator in Italy until 1943, the "Duce," as he named himself, sided with the Axis powers in World War II, and was eventually killed by Italian Partisan forces in 1945. His power was on a level with the King of Italy, and he was admired by Nino Mancuso. However, siding with Hitler against the Allied forces was his downfall, and he was ousted from power.