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Operation Eiche: The Rescue of Benito Mussolini by Nazi Troops
While Mussolini was under arrest, Hitler organized a successful rescue effort. Eventually, this event led to Mussolini’s execution.
Mussolini Is Deposed
On May 16th, 1943, the air bombardment of Rome by American and British planes began in earnest. This was followed by the Allied invasion of Sicily on July 9th, 1943. These events sent a clear message to King Vittorio Emanuele of Italy as well as to Mussolini’s own Grand Council of Fascism of the inevitable military defeat the country was facing.
During the evening of July 24 and the early hours of the 25th, the Grand Council met to discuss the immediate future of Italy. While everyone in attendance understood the magnitude of the moment and were afraid to create a rift with Mussolini, they needed to discuss the many military reverses suffered by the Italian military.
Previously, Il Duce had seemed tired and disheveled. He appeared to be looking for a way out of his position of power. Some within the Council argued that the dictatorship had brought Italy to the brink of military disaster, elevated incompetents within the government, and alienated large portions of the population.
