The 'Forty Five Days' and the 1943 Italian Armistice

Flashcards covering the events and leadership blunders between Mussolini's fall and the establishment of the Salo Republic in 1943.

Who took over the leadership of Italy from Mussolini on $25th\,July\,1943$?

Badoglio

With whom did Badoglio conduct secret negotiations starting on $5th\,August\,1943$?

Eisenhower (American)

What event prompted Badoglio to secretly sign the armistice on $3rd\,September\,1943$?

Allied troops crossing from Sicily to mainland Italy.

On what date was the armistice publicly announced by Badoglio?

$$8th\,September\,1943$$

What was 'Operation Asche'?

The German operation that resulted in the capture of $600,000$ Italian troops and the flooding of the north of Italy.

What major events occurred on $12th\,September\,1943$ regarding Rome and Mussolini?

The Germans took Rome (forcing the King and Badoglio to flee) and rescued Mussolini from prison.

How did the phrasing of the armistice contribute to $600,000$ troops being taken prisoner?

The armistice was vague, instructing troops to 'resist attacks coming from any other source' while ceasing opposition to Anglo-American forces, leading to confusion.

What was the name of the Nazi-German puppet state established in September 1943?

Salo Republic/RSI

How was Italy geographically divided after the German invasion?

Into the German-controlled Salo (north) and the allied-controlled 'Kingdom of the South'.

What was the Kefalonia Massacre?

An event on $15th\,September\,1943$ where Germans killed $5000$ Italian troops for refusing to hand over weapons.

Which defensive points did Badoglio fail to protect, allowing Germans to capture Rome easily?

The Alpine passes and the defenses around Rome.

Why was the Nazi takeover of northern Italy described as effortless?

Because Badoglio and the King did not move decisively or quickly enough after the armistice was announced.