U.S. & World History – Benito Mussolini (29 July 1883 – 28 April 1945) was an Italian politician, journalist, and leader of the National Fascist Party, ruling the country as Prime Minister from 1922 until his ousting in 1943. He ruled constitutionally until 1925, when he dropped all pretense of democracy and set up a legal dictatorship. During his reign, he is credited for creating 5000 new farms, and building up the Italian military. His most notable contribution came after his country was being decimated in World War II, and which he was held responsible. The popular tradition that Mussolini unwittingly created happened after he was caught and arrested on 27 April 1945, near the village of Dongo (Lake Como), as he headed for Switzerland to board a plane to escape to Spain. He was later brought to Mezzera and was promptly executed. His body was hung upside down and beaten by civilians, in which historians believe was the original inspiration of the penyata.