Download Japanese Involvement in World War II

Italian Involvement in World War II
- Italy’s involvement in World War II began on June 10, 1940 when
they declared war on England and France.
- In October, 1940 Italy invaded Greece. They also conquered British
Somalia that same year.
- The leader of Italy during World War II was Benito Mussolini. He
was the leader of the National Fascist Party.
- Mussolini was known as “Il Duce”, which is Italian for “The Leader”.
- The Fascists were known as “Black Shirts”. This is because of their
black uniforms and also the fact they were very violent.
- Italy signed a treaty with Germany in 1939 promising to help one
another in war. This treaty was called “The Pact of Steel”.
- They formed the Axis powers, along with Japan and Germany.
- They helped Germany occupy France between 1940 and 1943. They
also participated in the Battle of Britain between 1940 and 1941.
- Italy fought with the Allies in Northern Africa.
- The Allies quickly gained the upper hand against Italy before
Germany came to its aid.
- Italy was defeated in Africa and most of Europe by 1943.
- Italy continued to fight, even after Allies landed in Sicily in 1943.
German troops helped them as well.
- Mussolini was killed by Communists in Italy on April 28, 1945.
- Germans in Italy surrendered to the Allies on May 2, 1945.