Final answer:
Benito Mussolini served as a corporal in the Italian Army during WWI before rising to power as Il Duce, the authoritarian leader of Italy's National Fascist Party. He built a large army and navy, aiming to dominate the Mediterranean and restore Italy's perceived past glory.
Step-by-step explanation:
Benito Mussolini's job in the Italian Army was essentially as a soldier, reaching the rank of corporal during World War I. Before establishing himself as the leader of the National Fascist Party, Mussolini was largely disappointed with the outcomes of the war for Italy.
Post-war, he quickly rose to power, and by 1925, styled himself as Il Duce (the leader), signifying his absolute control over the nation. Under his regime, he sought to build a large army and navy with the aim of expanding the Italian Empire and reinforcing Italy as a dominant Mediterranean force.
Mussolini's rule was characterized by authoritarian control; he manipulated parliamentary systems, intimidated political opponents, and eventually outlawed elections, enabling the Fascist Party to become the only legal party in Italy. This culminated in a dictatorial regime that sought to make Italy great again, but it was marred by poor preparation for World War II and a reliance on brute force rather than democratic principles.