Duce
Italian title, derived from the Latin word dux, and cognate with duke
Duce (/ˈduːtʃeɪ/ DOO-chay, Italian: [ˈduːtʃe]) is an Italian title, derived from the Latin word dux "leader", and a cognate of duke. National Fascist Party leader Benito Mussolini was identified by Fascists as Il Duce ("The Leader") of the movement since the birth of the Fasci Italiani di Combattimento in 1919. In 1925 it became a reference to the dictatorial position of Sua Eccellenza Benito Mussolini, Capo del Governo, Duce del Fascismo e Fondatore dell'Impero ("His Excellency Benito Mussolini, Head of Government, Leader of Fascism and Founder of the Empire").
| Duce of Fascism
Duce del Fascismo | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Style | His Excellency (formal) |
| Residence | Palazzo Chigi (1925–1929) Palazzo Venezia (1929–1943) Villa Torlonia (1925–1943) |
| Appointer | Grand Council of Fascism |
| Precursor | Benito Mussolini (as Prime Minister) |
| Formation | 23 March 1919 |
| First holder | Benito Mussolini |
| Final holder | Benito Mussolini |
| Abolished | 25 April 1945 |
