Architecture

German occupation of Rome

The failed defense of Rome (also referred to as the German occupation of Rome) refers to the events that took place in the Italian capital and the surrounding area, beginning on 8 September 1943, and in the days immediately following the Armistice of Cassibile and the immediate military reaction of the German Wehrmacht forces deployed to the south and north of the city, in accordance with the operational directives established by Adolf Hitler in the event of Italian defection (Operation Achse). Due to the absence of an organic plan for the defense of the city and a coordinated conduct of military resistance to the German occupation, as well as the simultaneous flight of Victor Emmanuel III along with the court, the head of the government and the military leadership, the city was quickly conquered by Nazi Germany's troops, which were vainly and disorganizedly opposed by the troops of the Royal Army and civilians, lacking any coherent orders, leaving about 1,000 dead on the battlefield. From many quarters the rapid collapse of the Italian forces was blamed on the military and political leadership, who were accused of willfully failing to arrange what was necessary for the city to be adequately defended.

Also on this shelf

See also

• ▸Busseto
• ▸Astron (spacecraft)
• ▸Altarpiece of San Nicolò della Lattuga

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