Italian Social Republic facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Italian Social Republic
Repubblica Sociale Italiana
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| 1943–1945 | |||||||||
 War Flag
 Coat of arms
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Anthem: Giovinezza
"Youth" |
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From the Gustav Line to the Gothic Line
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| Status | Puppet state of Nazi Germany | ||||||||
| Capital | Salò (de facto) Rome (claimed) |
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| Common languages | Italian | ||||||||
| Government | Various | ||||||||
| Duce | |||||||||
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• 1943–1945
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Benito Mussolini | ||||||||
| Plenipotentiary | |||||||||
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• 1943–1945
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Rudolf Rahn | ||||||||
| Historical era | World War II | ||||||||
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• Gran Sasso raid
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September 12, 1943 | ||||||||
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• Mussolini's Restoration
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September 23 1943 | ||||||||
| April 25 1945 | |||||||||
| Currency | Republican Lira (de jure) Italian lira (de facto) |
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| ISO 3166 code | IT | ||||||||
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The Italian Social Republic was a state created during the last part of World War II. It was also known as the Republic of Salò. This state existed from September 1943 to May 1945. It was largely controlled by Nazi Germany, making it a "puppet state."
This republic was the second and final version of the Italian Fascist state. It was led by Benito Mussolini, who was known as the Duce. Mussolini's party, the Republican Fascist Party, tried to update and change their ideas. The Italian Social Republic officially controlled parts of Northern and Central Italy. However, it relied heavily on German soldiers to keep power.
How the Republic Started
In July 1943, the Allied forces pushed Italy out of North Africa. They then invaded Sicily. Because of this, the Grand Fascist Council, with support from King Victor Emmanuel III, removed Mussolini from power. They also arrested him. The new Italian government then started secret talks with the Allies to make peace.
On September 8, 1943, the Armistice of Cassibile was announced. This was a peace agreement between Italy and the Allies. Germany was ready for this and quickly took action. German forces took control of northern Italy. They also freed Mussolini from prison. He was then brought to the German-controlled area. There, he set up the Italian Social Republic. This new state was officially announced on September 23, 1943. Only Germany, Japan, and their puppet states recognized it as a real country.
The End of the Republic
Around April 25, 1945, Mussolini's fascist republic fell apart. In Italy, this day is called Liberation Day. On this day, a large uprising by Italian resistance fighters happened. This, along with the Allies' final attack in Italy, helped push the Germans almost entirely out of the country.
The Italian Social Republic lasted for just over 19 months. On April 27, resistance fighters captured Mussolini. They also caught several of his ministers and other Italian Fascists. They were trying to escape. The next day, April 28, the resistance fighters shot Mussolini and most of the others they had captured.
Rodolfo Graziani, who was the Minister of Defense for the Italian Social Republic, surrendered what was left of the state on May 1. The German forces in Italy gave up the next day. This officially ended the Italian Social Republic.
Images for kids
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Benito Mussolini rescued by German troops from his prison in Campo Imperatore on September 12, 1943.
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Italian Social Republic propaganda poster saying: "Germany is truly your friend."
See also
In Spanish: República Social Italiana para niños
