Duce

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
Standard of the Duce
Benito Mussolini
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