Pietro Badoglio (28 Sep. 1871 - 1 Nov. 1956)
Badoglio was a Chief of Staff of the army before World War II, commanding in the Italian invasion of Ethiopia and joining the Fascist Party. When Germany and Italy signed the Pact of Steel, and Italy declared war on France and Britain, Badoglio did not support the decision, however he did not oppose it either. He resigned from the General Staff in December 1940, following the disastrous invasion of Greece by Italian soldiers.
In July 1943, Mussolini was deposed by the King and Badoglio became Prime Minister. During his tenure the Italians sought to switch sides and join the Allied cause. This was hurried however, and Italian armed forces were unprepared. He would remain at the head of government until June of 1944, following the liberation of Rome, Mussolini’s escape and lack of support, being replaced by an anti-Fascist government.
For more information on Pietro Badoglio:
Currey, Muriel trns. Badoglio, Pietro. Italy in the Second World War, memories and documents (Oxford: Oxford University Press), 1948.
In July 1943, Mussolini was deposed by the King and Badoglio became Prime Minister. During his tenure the Italians sought to switch sides and join the Allied cause. This was hurried however, and Italian armed forces were unprepared. He would remain at the head of government until June of 1944, following the liberation of Rome, Mussolini’s escape and lack of support, being replaced by an anti-Fascist government.
For more information on Pietro Badoglio:
Currey, Muriel trns. Badoglio, Pietro. Italy in the Second World War, memories and documents (Oxford: Oxford University Press), 1948.