Benito Amilcare Andrea Mussolini Biography

The Axis advance into Egypt is stopped at El Alamein before it can reach Alexandria or Suez.

Mussolini supports Hitler's order that Axis troops hold their ground despite Rommel's request to retreat.

Faces another strategic setback when the Italian island fortress of Pantelleria surrenders to the Allies.

Is held under guard on the island of Ponza after his arrest.

Faces the Allied invasion of Sicily, a military crisis that accelerates opposition to his regime.

Receives news of the major Allied bombing of Rome while meeting Adolf Hitler near Feltre.

Meets Adolf Hitler at Feltre as Italy's military position deteriorates and pressure for withdrawal from the war grows.

Faces the first meeting of the Fascist Grand Council since 1939 as senior Fascists challenge his leadership.

Is arrested after leaving his audience with King Victor Emmanuel III following dismissal from office.

Fails to prevent approval of the Grandi motion after a long overnight Grand Council debate.

Loses power after the Grand Council vote and the King's decision to dismiss and arrest him.

Is moved to the Campo Imperatore hotel on the Gran Sasso massif for secret detention.

Is transferred from Ponza to guarded detention on La Maddalena.

Travels to Germany after his rescue and meets Hitler before returning to political leadership under German protection.

Returns to German-occupied Italy to head the new Fascist state created after his rescue.

Is freed from detention at Gran Sasso during a German airborne and commando operation.

Announces the re-creation of a Fascist political organization as the Republican Fascist Party.

Broadcasts a speech announcing his return to political leadership and the restoration of Fascist rule.

Retains direct control of foreign affairs while heading the Italian Social Republic.

Heads the new Italian Social Republic as Germany recognizes and supports the regime.

Heads the German-backed Italian Social Republic established in northern and central Italy.

Forms a new Fascist government that becomes known as the Italian Social Republic.

Conducts much of his government work from Gargnano on Lake Garda under close German supervision.

Oversees a dispersed government whose ministries are based around Salò and other towns near Lake Garda.

Backs the Verona Manifesto adopted by the Republican Fascist Party as the political programme of the Italian Social Republic.

Accepts a programme combining republican Fascism, socialization proposals and continued alliance with Germany.