Duce (,
leader) is an
Italian title, derived from the
Latin word
dux, and
cognate with
duke.
National Fascist Party leader
Benito Mussolini was identified by Fascists as
Il Duce ("The
Leader") of the movement and 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, Duce of Fascism and Founder of the Empire"). It was established in 1925. Mussolini held together with this title that of
President of the Council of Ministers: this was the constitutional position which entitled him to rule Italy on behalf of the
King of Italy.
Founder of the Empire was added for the exclusive use by Mussolini in recognition of his founding of an official legal entity of the
Italian Empire on behalf of the King in 1936 following Italy's victory in the
Second Italo-Ethiopian War. The position was held by Mussolini until 1943, when he was removed from office by the King and the position of "Duce" was dismantled, while Marshal
Pietro Badoglio was appointed Presidente del Consiglio.