What is some general knowledge about Italy in World War 2?

Answer 1

Italy fought on Germany's side throughout most of the war, although was a significantly weaker power. The country was led by Benito Mussolini, the leader of the "fascist" Dictatorship that wanted to create a "New Roman Empire". Mussolini had originally been Hitler's role model; after Hitler seized power it was the other way round.

Prior to the war, Italy had attacked and conquered Ethiopa as part of the beginning of Mussolini's empire building. Italy did not enter the conflict until nine months after Britain and France declared war on Germany, and by this time France had almost fallen. Italy attempted to attack Greece alone but failed. Instead, it joined with the Germans in their successful invasions of Yugoslavia and Greece.

In Africa, Italy tried to attack Egypt to get control of the Suez Canal, but Britain successfully pushed them back into Libya. Germany were forced to intervene and this fatally delayed their invasion of Russia. They chased the British back into Egypt, but after the Battle of El Alamein, they too were driven back.

By May 1943, when the Italians surrendered in Tunisia, Mussolini had lost the empire and worse was to follow. Two months later, the Allies invaded Sicily. Mussolini's support evaporated and the Grand Council of Fascism kicked him out of office. In September that year, the Allies landed in mainland Italy. At the time, Mussolini was rescued by the Germans and escaped captivity.

Naples was liberated the following month, but Allied progress up the peninsula was initially slower after that. Rome was liberated in June 1944. By this time, Mussolini was in the north attempting to organise and defend against the Allies, while Italian Partisans began to harass the Italian and German defenders.

The Spring Offensive of 1945 saw the Allies successfully attack northern Italy and Mussolini's attempt to start a new government collapsed. Mussolini tried to escape to Switzerland but was caught and shot by Partisans. They put his body on display by hanging it upside-down from a petrol station in Milan.

I advise you to read about the "Facismo", their leader Benito Mussolini and his relationship with Hitler and the Third Reich's ideas. Anyway, the subject can be very grim...
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