Who was the primary leader of the Fascist regime in Italy?

The primary leader of the Fascist regime in Italy was Benito Mussolini. He founded the Fascist Party in 1919 and took advantage of post-World War I social unrest and economic instability to rise to power. By 1922, Mussolini had established a totalitarian regime, effectively becoming the Prime Minister of Italy. His leadership was characterized by the suppression of dissent, the promotion of nationalism, and expansionist policies, which aimed to build a new Italian Empire. Mussolini’s influence and governance significantly shaped Italy's domestic and foreign policy during the interwar period, distinguishing him as a central figure in the history of Fascism.

Other figures mentioned in the options, such as Adolf Hitler and Francisco Franco, were significant leaders in their own contexts but were not the leaders of Italy's Fascist regime. Victor Emmanuel III was the king of Italy during Mussolini's rise, but he was not the driving force behind the Fascist government.