Military History of Germany During World War II - Italian Armistice and Loss of The Allies

Italian Armistice and Loss of The Allies

The German and Italian defeat in North Africa allowed the Allied forces to contemplate opening up a new theater in the south. Sicily was invaded in July 1943 leading to Mussolini's overthrow and imprisonment. In September, the Italian mainland was invaded. Shortly afterward, an armistice was signed and Italian troops found themselves arrested and imprisoned by the Germans. The Germans fought on in Italy; in October the new Italian government declared war on Germany. The campaign in Italy eventually bogged down as the focus of attention for the Western Allies was drawn to opening up a new front in northern France.

One by one, Germany's other allies left the war. Throughout 1944, the governments of Romania, Bulgaria and Finland found ways to change sides.

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