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Italian Social Republic

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

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Bundesarchiv_Bild_101I-567-1503A-07,_Gran_Sasso,_Mussolini_mit_deutschen_Fallschirmjägern
Germaniamica
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Bundesarchiv_Bild_101I-316-1175-25,_Italien,_Benito_Mussolini_bei_Inspektion
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Italian Social Republic
Repubblica Sociale Italiana
1943–1945
The Italian Social Republic in 1943
The Italian Social Republic in 1943
StatusPuppet state of Nazi Germany
CapitalSalò
Common languagesItalian
GovernmentOne-party fascist republic
Duce 
• 1943–1945
Benito Mussolini
Secretary of the Republican Fascist Party 
• 1943–1945
Alessandro Pavolini
Historical eraWorld War II
• Armistice of Cassibile
23 September 1943
• Mussolini rescued
12 September 1943
• Verona Trial
8 January 1944
• Liberation of Rome
4 June 1944
• Fall of Milan
25 April 1945
• Surrender of Caserta
25 April 1945
CurrencyItalian lira
Preceded by
Succeeded by
Kingdom of Italy
Allied-occupied Italy
Today part of Italy



The Italian Social Republic (


, RSI), informally known as the Republic of Salò, was a puppet state with limited recognition that was created during the later part of World War II. It existed from 1943 to 1945 and was led by Benito Mussolini, who had been deposed as Prime Minister and arrested by the Kingdom of Italy in July 1943. The RSI was established after Mussolini was rescued from captivity by German forces in Operation Eiche.

History[edit | edit source]

Establishment[edit | edit source]

Following the Armistice of Cassibile on 8 September 1943, which saw Italy switch sides to the Allies, German forces occupied northern and central Italy. Mussolini, who had been imprisoned, was freed by German paratroopers in the Gran Sasso raid and brought to Germany. Shortly thereafter, he was installed as the head of the new Italian Social Republic, headquartered in the town of Salò on the shores of Lake Garda.

Government and Politics[edit | edit source]

The RSI was a one-party state under the control of the Republican Fascist Party (PFR), which was a reformation of the National Fascist Party (PNF). Mussolini held the title of "Duce of the Italian Social Republic" and sought to reassert his control over Italy, although real power was largely in the hands of the German military.

Military[edit | edit source]

The RSI maintained its own military forces, including the National Republican Army and the Black Brigades, which were paramilitary units loyal to the fascist regime. These forces were involved in fighting against the Italian resistance movement and the advancing Allied forces.

Collapse[edit | edit source]

The RSI's existence was marked by continuous military defeats and the advance of Allied forces from the south. By April 1945, the Allies had broken through the Gothic Line and were advancing into northern Italy. On 25 April 1945, known as Liberation Day, Milan and Turin were liberated by Italian partisans. Mussolini attempted to flee to Switzerland but was captured and executed by partisans on 28 April 1945. The RSI formally ceased to exist with the unconditional surrender of German forces in Italy on 2 May 1945.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

The Italian Social Republic is often remembered as a tragic and controversial period in Italian history. It was marked by brutal repression, collaboration with Nazi Germany, and significant suffering for the Italian population. The period is also notable for the Verona Trial, where several prominent fascists were tried and executed for treason.

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

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