8: Fall Of Facism 1940-1946 Flashcards
Italy’s Timeline In WW2 Part 1:
1939-1940
- Sept 1939: Mussolini declare Italy as non-belligerent
- June 1940: Mussolini declare war and attack southern France
- Sept 1940: Italy attack British Egypt but are forced back
- Oct 1940: Italy invade Greece
Italy’s Timeline In WW2 Part 2:
1941-1943
- June 1941: Mussolini sends 225,000 troops to aid German advance into the USSR
- Dec 1941: Italy declare war on USA
- 1943: King organised overthrow of Mussolini and negotiate with allies
- Sept 1943: Mussolini rescued by German forces, Italy divided in 2 by south under Allies and North under German
Italy’s Timeline In WW2: Part 3
1944-1945
- 1944 Allies are captured in Rome
- 1945 Germans retreat and Mussolini is captured by partisans. He was was hung upside down and killed. Italy surrendered to the Allies
Why did Mussolini choose to go to war alongside Nazi Germany in 1940?
- Fear Of German vengeance
- Before Germany take all available lands
- Germany looked like the winning side
- Changed sides in WW1 and didn’t want Germany thinking they’d do the same
What did Mussolini infamously say about Italy’s participation in the war?
If “a few thousand (Italians) died” Mussolini can say he participated and sacrificed in the war
How did Italy’s attack on France go?
Advanced a few km but was attacked and stalled. Mussolini was not invited to the armistice after France was invaded and only gained a small anoint of territory. Territory gained was two small towns and Hitler said they made no real contribution in the invasion
How did Italy’s attack on North Africa?
Sent 250,000 Italian troops to Somaliland, Sudan, Kenya and Egypt against 30,000 British troops. Still lost most their land including Abyssinia in 1941. 125,000 Italian troops held prisoner. Hitler stepped in to stop Libya being taken, humiliating Mussolini.
How did Italy’s attack on Greece go?
Used Albania as a base and sent 70,000 troops to invade Greece in 1940. Lasted longer than planned, many Italians surrendered. British Royal Navy sunk three Italian cruisers, and in December 1940 Italian Air Force bombed their own Navy. Germany invaded Greece in 6 weeks in May 1941 anyway.
What domestic problems was Mussolini facing by 1943?
- March 1943 100,000 workers strike in Milan
- Young fascists turn on Mussolini when older PNF members would appoint themselves in certain positions so they can’t be sent to fight
- Catholics unhappy with German ‘cleansing’ and Italians didn’t want to be associated with Nazi Germany
- Massive drop in PNF membership
Why was the capture of Sicily important?
- August 1943
- Huge fear of Italy being invaded by the Allies
- The King and Army turn on Mussolini
- He takes most the blame as he is supreme commander of the army, navy and Air Force
How did the King and government get rid of Mussolini?
- Mussolini called meeting of the Fascist Grand Council to gain support
- 8 days before the meeting Grandi persuades King, fascists and army to support him when he denounces PM
- Vote 19 to 7 to get rid of Mussolini
- Replaced Mussolini’s with Badoglio as PM and Mussolini was arrested
Give information about The Republic Of Salo
- North Of Italy during War
- Mussolini made head of the republic after being rescued by German forces
- Hitler didn’t want to give Mussolini too much power
- Didn’t recognise the authority of the King, had its own army, navy etc
- Mussolini was controlled by Germans, had lost his respect and charisma
Give information about the South of Italy after 1943?
- Allies controlled large parts but the army was very minimal in the South
- Terrible conditions due to Italians stubborn defensive lines
- Corruption and the Mafia was growing
- Declining economic conditions led to less support for the Allies
What happened to Italy after WW2?
- Became a Republic, north heavily in favour of his bout a lot of South wanted a monarchy still
- Vote was 12 million to 10 million
- New voting system was Proportional Representation
How did the 1946 elections go?
- Christian Democrats 207 seats
- Communists 102 seats
- Socialists 115 seats
- Liberals 41 seats
Government was weak but was Anti-Fascist
