How Did German WW2 Troops Treat Italians During the German Occupation of Italy?

The German occupation of Italy during World War II was a period marked by stark contrasts: while the German military inflicted significant casualties on Allied forces, they also engaged in widespread atrocities against the Italian civilian population, including the looting of valuable assets and the execution of partisans and those deemed enemies. This occupation period saw a rapidly evolving relationship between the occupiers and the locals, as Italy switched sides from Axis to Allied.

The German Military's Brutal Campaign Against the Allies

Germany's military campaign in Italy was ruthless, causing devastating casualties among Allied forces. Some notable losses included 4,000 Allied troops on Sicily, 800 at Salerno, 1,500 at San Pietro, and 40,000 in the Gustav Line Battles. By May 1945, the Germans had inflicted approximately 350,000 casualties on the Allies. This period highlights the efficiency and merciless nature of the German military, often prioritizing the destruction of enemy forces without regard for loss of life.

Coexistence and Atrocities

Despite inflicting such significant damage, the German troops also showed a more nuanced approach, sometimes providing necessities and tolerating local anti-German sentiment. This duality was exemplified by commanders like Erwin Rommel, who viewed Italians as unimportant and almost worthless. However, as the war progressed and Germany's position became increasingly untenable, the harsh reality of their occupation became more apparent.

The Fall of Mussolini and the Rise of Partisan Resistance

When relations between the Axis and Italy soured, the Germans and their Italian fascist allies engaged in numerous atrocities. They looted the country, destroying factories, machines, and infrastructure. Millions of tons of food were taken to relieve shortages in Germany, leading to widespread famine in Italy. Italian partisans, armed with hunting rifles and shotguns, organized and grew to thousands of members, effectively tying down several German and fascist divisions, and eventually liberating major northern cities like Bologna, Genoa, Venice, and Milan.

German Atrocities and Partisan Retaliation

The atrocity stories of the German occupation are numerous and chilling. For instance, a young mother near Genoa faced German troops firing on a piazza, while a distant relative was also shot. Another tragic story involved U.S. troops discovering a horrific act: German soldiers had rounded up wives and children of partisan fighters, pushing them into a church, which they then set on fire. These incidents demonstrate the cruelty and barbarity of the German occupation.

The Post-War Reprisals

Upon the German evacuation, Italians retaliated by rounding up and killing hundreds of fascists and collaborators. In Milan, one of the most severe reprisals occurred, where fascists were hanging from a girder, reminiscent of the German treatment of partisans the previous year. The post-war government minister admitted to thousands of such killings to avenge the atrocities committed during the German occupation.

Key Takeaways:

Germans inflicted significant casualties on Allied forces in Italy. The occupation period was marked by both looting and the execution of partisans. Italian partisans became a formidable force, liberating northern cities. Reprisals and retribution were prevalent after the German withdrawal.

The German occupation of Italy during WWII was a complex period filled with violence, betrayal, and resistance. Understanding these events provides insight into the harsh realities faced by the Italian civilians and soldiers during this tumultuous time.