Tagline: Allies advance through a challenging peninsula.
The Italian Campaign (1943–1945) involved Allied forces fighting German and Italian troops to liberate Italy from Axis control. Following the successful invasion of Sicily in July 1943, Allied forces landed on the Italian mainland, facing difficult mountainous terrain, fortified positions, and determined resistance. Battles at Salerno, Anzio, and Monte Cassino were particularly grueling, with heavy casualties on both sides. The campaign forced Germany to divert troops from other fronts, weakening its overall position in Europe. Italian cities suffered significant destruction, and the civilian population endured hardships from bombings and military occupation. Despite these challenges, the campaign ultimately succeeded in liberating Italy, contributing to the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. The Italian Campaign showcased the complexities of combined operations, terrain warfare, and urban combat in World War II.