The Allies invaded Italy in 1943, but by 1944, they had progressed only as far as the Gustav Line south of Rome.
The Allies invaded Italy in 1943, but by 1944, they had progressed only as far as the Gustav Line south of Rome. So, the Allies staged a massive amphibious operation to force the defenders to split their forces or be surrounded—but quick success depended on a rapid break-out from the beachhead.