The Italian Armistice of 1943
On September 8, 1943, Italy signed an armistice with the Allies, effectively ending its involvement in World War II. The armistice was announced on the radio by Italian King Victor Emmanuel III, who had assumed responsibility for the government after deposing Mussolini the day before.
The armistice was greeted with joy by the Italian people, who had been suffering under the harsh conditions of the German occupation. Allied troops began landing in Italy within hours of the armistice, and within days had taken control of the country.
The armistice was a major blow to the Axis powers, as it deprived them of one of their key allies. It also paved the way for the Allies to launch an invasion of mainland Europe, which began with the liberation of Italy.