History Daily Italy Suffers its Greatest Military Defeat
Oct 24, 2025
On October 24, 1917, Italian forces faced a devastating defeat at Caporetto during World War I. German troops, led by Rommel, advanced through the Alps, catching the Italians off guard. The chaos included overwhelming artillery and gas attacks, leading to mass surrenders and chaos within Italian ranks. The retreat resulted in staggering human costs, with thousands captured. The aftermath shifted Italy’s political landscape, prompting resignations and a reevaluation of Allied strategies in the region.
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Rommel's Night Climb To Surprise Italy
- Erwin Rommel led German troops up an Alpine slope under cover of darkness to surprise Italians before dawn at Caporetto.
- They dug concealed foxholes and prepared a hidden night assault alongside Austria-Hungary's forces.
Territory Bargain Drove Italy Into War
- Italy entered WWI after the Treaty of London promised Trento and Trieste in exchange for joining the Entente.
- Diplomatic bargaining and Russian concessions pushed Italy from neutrality into war against Austria-Hungary.
Experience Of An Italian Soldier At Caporetto
- Virgilio Benedetti and his squad survived early bombardment but ran out of ammunition and were overcome during the German-Austrian assault.
- They found gas masks among corpses and surrendered when surrounded and unarmed.
