[July 10, 2020] In the summer of 1940, Parisians were awakened to the sound of a German-accented voice announcing an 8 p.m. curfew as German troops entered Paris, France.1 Nevertheless, the invasion of the European mainland did not begin until three years later. On this date, July 10, 1943, the invasion of Europe started. It was long overdue.2
Of all dates that mark World War II as a seminal time in world history, July 10 stands out as one of the most important. The date is symbolic. Axis-controlled Europe was an evil that could not go unpunished. Nazi Germany’s socialist dictatorship had entrapped free people and to free them was a cause no one could refuse. On this date, the Allies’ invasion began on the island of Sicily.
Italian leader Benito Mussolini envisioned building fascist Italy into a new Roman Empire. But a string of military defeats during the war created an opportunity for the Allies. By 1943, opposition groups in Italy were uniting to overthrow Mussolini and make peace with the Allies. Only a robust German army presence prevented it.
In Rome, the Allied invasion of Sicily had an unexpected consequence. It quickly led to the collapse of Mussolini’s government, and he resigned two weeks later. The new government promptly entered into secret negotiations with the Allies. The next day, on July 26, Italian Marshal Pietro Badoglo assumed control of the Italian government. In October, the Badoglio government declared war on Germany.
Past U.S. President Ronald Reagan once said that freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. Freedom must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same. The invasion of Sicily was a decisive event. The wheels of freedom began turning on that date and ended with the surrender of Nazi German on May 7, 1945, and of Japan on August 15, 1945.
“I was honored to have served in the Army for my country. I was at Anzio [Italy] during WWII, and it makes you realize how very precious life is.” – James Arness, American actor
We all owe a debt of gratitude for those who fought in the Italian campaign, the beginning of the end of Nazi Germany. D-Day, the invasion of France by the Allies, would not come until nearly a year later on June 6, 1944.
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Thanks for another exceptional article and this one on WWII and the beginning of the end of fascism was another one I will be giving out to kids in the upcoming school year.
Gen. Satterfield, I agree that July 10, 1943 is a more important date than June 6, 1944 (D-Day). But that is not how most see the war. Keep up the great works you are doing for us and for keeping your page free of any costs to readers.
Yes, but that is okay as long as we teach the meaning and the losses of WWII.
If I was one of the college “snowflakes” reading this, I would be offended and think you are creating violence – based on the comments in this forum today. Please, go easier on the French. Now, I know that the Muslim immigrants to France are largely taking over and that the French ministry of defense has said that in 20 years that France will have a majority of Muslims. But is this another case of them surrendering? So, for the college snowflakes, please keep reading this blog. Maybe it will make you stronger.
Max, snowflakes will melt quickly. Let’s encourage them more to read and understand different ways of thinking. Like me, I try to understand their ideas (despite their weirdness). Understanding of others is the mark of a good leader.
Oh, the stereotypes. Here are a few jokes about the French Army that will make you cringe. Why? Got me, but I’m putting them out here for everyone’s humor. If you are insulted, TOUGH NUTS to you:
Q: Why do we need France on our side against Sadaam and Osama?
A: So the French can show them how to surrender.
Q: What do you call a Frenchman advancing on Baghdad?
A: A salesman
Q: What’s the shortest book ever written?
A: French War Heroes.
Got us on that one, Old Warrior. ?
Too funny. Here’s another for our entertainment value …….
Q: What is the first thing the French Army teaches at basic training?
A: How to surrender in at least 10 languages.
General Satterfield, thank you for another apt historical lesson. We can learn from it and use it only if we can get our acts together.
It must have been a shock for those citizens of Paris to wake up and know that their government had collasped and the German army was occupying their city. But the French are good at surrendering.
Kenny, no need to put a dig on the French. True, they do have history. But to delve deeper into their culture, you can see that they are more concerned about “life, love, and home” than preparing to defend themselves. Strange? Not a bit.
Interesting comment about the French surrendering. In my time in the US army, I often talked about this to my colleagues. We all laughed and joked about what color is the French flag? Answer: all white. Of course. The real truth is masked over by our humor but there is some truth in it too.
Thanks Willie, good points.
“Past U.S. President Ronald Reagan once said that freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. ” The best quote in over a week. Given what we see today in the US and elsewhere, there are many who claim that they are against fascism but they themselves are just like the Nazi fascists, except they haven’t killed millions of people …. yet.
Excellent article. Again, you have shown your history bonifies, Gen. Satterfield. Well done! I like the historical snippets despite my husband saying that they are all boring. It gives me perspective on the twentieth century.
Hmmmm, yes! Husbands do have a tendency to be bored quickly. Ha Ha. Good to see you on this morning, Wendy.
Like before, you’ve made note of the importance of this date – one of the most important but overlooked mark of the 20th century. This was the date that the Allies (the free world) began its march to destroy 3 dictatorial powers (the Axis) that were bent on conquering the world.