Victor Emmanuel III of Italy Abdicates
Victor Emmanuel III of Italy was born on November 11, 1869, in Naples and ascended to the throne following the assassination of his father, Humbert I, in 1900. His reign, however, was marked by significant political upheaval, particularly the rise of Benito Mussolini and the Fascist regime in the 1920s, which relegated him to a largely ceremonial role. Following World War II, during which Italy was on the losing side, public discontent towards the monarchy intensified. On May 9, 1946, in response to criticism and pressure from Allied forces, Victor Emmanuel III abdicated the throne. He was succeeded by his son, Humbert II, who faced a similar fate, abdicating just a month later after a national referendum favored a republican government. Following his abdication, Victor Emmanuel went into exile, first in Portugal and later in Egypt, where he passed away on December 28, 1947, in Alexandria. This period marked a significant transition for Italy, moving from monarchy to republic amidst the backdrop of post-war reconstruction.
Victor Emmanuel III of Italy Abdicates
Victor Emmanuel III of Italy Abdicates
On May 9, 1946, King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy abdicated his throne, and shortly thereafter Italy became a republic.
Victor Emmanuel was born on November 11, 1869, in Naples, Italy. He became king of Italy after his father, Humbert I, was assassinated in July 1900. Victor Emmanuel was largely a passive ruler, and it was during his reign that Benito Mussolini and the Fascists rose to power in the 1920s, making him little more than a figurehead. After World War II in which Italy fought on the losing side, the process of forming a new government began, and a national referendum was scheduled for June 1946. Criticism of the king was intense in many sectors, and Allied pressure succeeded in convincing Victor Emmanuel to abdicate. He was succeeded by his son, who became King Humbert II, but Humbert also abdicated just a month later on June 13, 1946, after the Italian electorate voted in favor of a republican form of government. Victor Emmanuel went into exile, living in Portugal and then Egypt, where he died on December 28, 1947, in Alexandria. Humbert also chose to leave Italy.