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How did Mussolini lose power in Italy in July 1943?
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fascism
Italian fascist leader Benito Mussolini addressing a rally.
By July 1943, Italy’s military position had become hopeless following significant losses in Africa and the Allied invasion of Sicily, which triggered a collapse in national morale and support for the Fascist regime.21
The process of Mussolini's removal involved two key steps:
- The Fascist Grand Council: On the night of July 24–25, 1943, the council met for the first time since the war began. A substantial majority voted for a resolution that effectively dismissed Benito Mussolini by asking the king to resume his full constitutional powers.231
- Royal Intervention: Disregarding the vote, Mussolini attempted to continue his duties the following day. However, on July 25, King Victor Emmanuel III ordered Mussolini’s arrest and appointed Marshal Pietro Badoglio as the new prime minister.431
Following his arrest, the main Fascist institutions were dissolved, and the new government began secret negotiations with the Allies to exit the war.23