Benito Mussolini and his mistress Clara Petacci are shot dead by Walter Audisio, a member of the Italian resistance movement.

Benito Mussolini (1883-1945) was an Italian political leader who founded the fascist political movement in Italy and served as the Prime Minister of Italy from 1922 to 1943. Mussolini rose to power through his aggressive rhetoric and fascist ideology, which called for a strong, authoritarian government and the suppression of political opposition.

Mussolini’s regime was characterized by nationalism, militarism, and totalitarianism, and he implemented policies that promoted Italian expansionism and imperialism. He also implemented social and economic policies that were designed to benefit the working classes and to increase production and industrialization in Italy.

During World War II, Mussolini aligned himself with Nazi Germany and declared war on the Allies in 1940. However, the Italian military suffered several defeats, and in 1943, Mussolini was removed from power by the Italian monarchy and arrested. He was rescued by German forces and established a puppet regime in northern Italy, but was captured by Italian partisans in 1945 and executed by firing squad.