Mussolini Arrested — Italian Fascism Collapses

The Italian Fascist Grand Council voted to remove Mussolini from power; King Victor Emmanuel III had him arrested. Marshal Badoglio formed a new government and began secret armistice negotiations with the Allies. Germany responded by occupying Italy, rescuing Mussolini in a daring glider raid (September 12), and installing him in a puppet state (Italian Social Republic).