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?

Badoglio, who took over on $25^{th} July 1943$.

With whom did Badoglio conduct secret negotiations?

Eisenhower (American), starting on $5^{th} August 1943$.

Why did Badoglio have no choice but to sign a secret armistice with the allies + when was it?

The crossing of Allied troops from Sicily to mainland Italy on $3^{rd} September 1943$.

When was the armistice publicly announced by Badoglio + why?

The armistice was publicly announced on $8^{th} September 1943$ → felt pressure from the allies to sign it immediately

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 regarding Rome and Mussolini?

The Germans took Rome (forcing the King and Badoglio to flee) and rescued Mussolini from prison on $12^{th} September 1943$.

How did the phrasing of the armistice contribute to troops being taken prisoner?

The armistice was vague, instructing troops to 'resist attacks coming from any other source' while stopping opposition to Anglo-American forces, leading to confusion → so troops dispersed + 600,000 soldiers were captured

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

Salo Republic/RSI, established in September 1943.

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 where Germans killed 5000 Italian troops for refusing to hand over weapons on $15^{th} September 1943$.

Which defensive points did Badoglio fail to protect?

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.