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On 28 April 1945, former Italian fascist leader Benito Mussolini and his companion, Clara Petacci, were executed by partisans during the closing stages of World War II. Mussolini, who had been ousted from his position as Prime Minister by former allies in 1943, subsequently headed a puppet regime in northern Italy that collaborated with Nazi Germany, igniting a civil war. As defeat loomed in April 1945, Mussolini attempted to escape to Switzerland, disguising himself as a German soldier, but was captured along with Petacci. Their execution marked the end of Mussolini’s tumultuous rule.