By: HISTORY.com Editors

1943

America bombs Rome

Published: November 05, 2009

Last Updated: May 27, 2025

On July 19, 1943, the United States bombs railway yards in Rome in an attempt to break the will of the Italian people to resist—as Hitler lectures their leader, Benito Mussolini, on how to prosecute the war further.

On July 16, President Franklin Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill appealed to the Italian civilian population to reject Mussolini and Hitler and “live for Italy and civilization.” As an “incentive,” American bombers raided the city, destroying its railways. Panic broke out among the Romans. Convinced by Mussolini that the Allies would never bomb the holy city, civilians poured into the Italian capital for safety. The bombing did more than shake their security in the city—it shook their confidence in their leader.

The Flying Tigers of World War II

Check out this hair-raising account of how Flying Tiger Tex Hill reacted to a Japanese KI-27 attacking his flight leader over Thailand.

The denizens of Rome were not alone in such disillusion. In a meeting in northern Italy, Hitler attempted to revive the flagging spirits of Il Duce, as well as point out his deficiencies as a leader. Afraid that Mussolini, having suffered successive military setbacks, would sue for a separate peace, leaving the Germans alone to battle it out with Allied forces along the Italian peninsula, Hitler decided to meet with his onetime role model to lecture him on the manly art of war. Mussolini remained uncharacteristically silent during the harangue, partly due to his own poor German (he would request a translated synopsis of the meeting later), partly due to his fear of Hitler’s response should he tell the truth—that Italy was beaten and could not continue to fight.

Mussolini kept up the charade for his German allies: Italy would press on. But no one believed the brave front anymore. Just a day later, Hitler secretly ordered Field Marshal Erwin Rommel to take command of the occupied Greek Islands, better to “pounce on Italy” if and when Mussolini capitulated to the United States. But within a week, events would take a stunning turn.

Timeline

Also on This Day in History

Discover more of the major events, famous births, notable deaths and everything else history-making that happened on July 19th

Related Articles

Hiroshima, Then Nagasaki: Why the US Deployed the Second A-Bomb

The explicit reason was to swiftly end the war with Japan. But it was also intended to send a message to the Soviets.

Hiram Clough (driving Jeep), Lance Corporal Joe Wilkenson and Kenneth Brierley (seated at the back of the Jeep) of the 716 (Airborne) Light Composite Company RASC (Royal Army Service Corps), British 6th Airborne Division in a Willys Jeep and trailer with glider pilots and other members of the unit following their landing from the damaged wooden Airspeed AS51 Horsa glider on a supply run on D-Day, 6th June 1944 at a landing ground near Ranville in Normandy, France.

The sophisticated hoax fooled the Nazis and laid the groundwork for the Normandy invasion.

UK World War II propaganda poster boasting about how Allies' airborne leaflet propaganda is used to alter the behavior of the enemy.

Military strategists weaponize fear, confusion and deception.

About the author

HISTORY.com Editors

HISTORY.com works with a wide range of writers and editors to create accurate and informative content. All articles are regularly reviewed and updated by the HISTORY.com team. Articles with the “HISTORY.com Editors” byline have been written or edited by the HISTORY.com editors, including Amanda Onion, Missy Sullivan, Matt Mullen, Christian Zapata and Cristiana Lombardo.

Fact Check

We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate.

Citation Information

Article title
America bombs Rome
Website Name
History
Date Accessed
August 07, 2025
Publisher
A&E Television Networks
Last Updated
May 27, 2025
Original Published Date
November 05, 2009

History Every Day

Sign Up for "This Day in History"

Uncover fascinating moments from the past every day! Learn something new with key events in history, from the American Revolution to pop culture, crime and more.

By submitting your information, you agree to receive emails from HISTORY and A+E Global Media. You can opt out at any time. You must be 16 years or older and a resident of the United States.