Fall of Mussolini's Regime

The Italian dictator is removed from office after a decision by the Grand Council of Fascism.

Military defeats, bombing and the Allied invasion of Sicily undermined support for the Fascist leadership. King Victor Emmanuel III asked Pietro Badoglio to form a new government.

Mussolini was arrested, but Italy did not immediately leave the war. The new leadership began secret negotiations with the Allies.

The subsequent armistice brought German occupation to much of Italy and a prolonged struggle on Italian territory.

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