Who was the first dictator associated with fascism in Italy?

Benito Mussolini is recognized as the first dictator associated with fascism in Italy. He founded the Fascist Party in 1919 and rose to power in the early 1920s, establishing a totalitarian regime characterized by authoritarian rule, nationalism, and the suppression of political dissent. Mussolini emphasized the rejection of socialism and communism and promoted a strong, centralized state with a focus on military strength and national unity.

His regime set the foundation for fascism, which would later influence other leaders in Europe, including Adolf Hitler in Germany. Mussolini’s policies and practices became a model for fascist movements and were integral to the ideology's development, making his role as the pioneer of fascism historically significant.