Italy During WW2 And Mussolinis Fall

Question 1

Initial military failures + problems

Answer 1

Mussolini overestimated Italy’s readiness
Shortages of weapons, fuel, and modern equipment
Poor training + outdated tactics meant the military was unprepared
Losses in Greece, North Africa, and against Britain
Needed constant German support to recover

Question 2

1943 Allied invasion of Sicily

Answer 2

Began July 10, 1943 (operation Husky)
Allied forces were mainly U.S. and British troops
German + Italian forces resisted but were outmatched
Sicily captured by allies in August 1943
Led to Mussolini’s fall (July 25, 1943) And Italys surrender (Sept 1943)

Question 3

Fall of Mussolini and arrest

Answer 3

Ongoing losses in Sicily + North Africa weakened support
Allied invasion of Sicily triggered political crisis
Grand Council vote (July 25,1943) voted Mussolini out of power
King Emmanuel 3rd had Mussolini arrested the same day
Badoglio took over + began secret talks with allies

Question 4

Italys armistice with allies and civil war between fascists and resistance

Answer 4

Signed Sept 3, 1943
Italy surrendered to the allies
Germany occupied northern Italy + set up the Republic of Salò under Mussolini
Fascists were loyal to Mussolini’s puppet gov in the north
Italian partisans fought against fascists + German occupiers
Intense fighting between the resistance + German/fascist forces
Fascist hold in Italy collapsed; Mussolini captured + executed (April 1945)