Mussolini’s Death

Benito Mussolini, Italy's fascist leader during World War II, was captured and executed in April 1945 as the Allies advanced into Italy. He was trying to escape to Switzerland but was caught by Italian partisans near Lake Como. Mussolini and his mistress, Clara Petacci, were executed by firing squad, their bodies briefly displayed publicly in Milan as a symbol of the end of fascist rule. His death marked the fall of fascism in Italy and the conclusion of his dictator era.