Italian Social Republic

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Italian Social Republic Repubblica Sociale Italiana
1943–1945
Flag Coat of arms of Italian Social Republic Coat of arms
The Italian Social Republic in 1943 The Italian Social Republic in 1943
Status	Puppet state of Nazi Germany
Capital	Salò
Common languages	Italian
Government	One-party fascist republic
Duce
• 1943–1945	Benito Mussolini
Secretary of the Republican Fascist Party
• 1943–1945	Alessandro Pavolini
Historical era	World 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
Currency	Italian 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

Establishment

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

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

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

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

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

• Benito Mussolini
• Republican Fascist Party
• Italian resistance movement
• Liberation Day (Italy)
• Operation Eiche
• Gran Sasso raid
• Armistice of Cassibile
• Gothic Line