Following the surrender of Italy to Allied forces, Operation Achse was initiated by Nazi Germany to quickly secure vital territories in Italy. On September 10, 1943, this operation culminated in the occupation of Rome, a city of immense historical and strategic importance. German troops, unopposed by a weakened Italian military, moved into the city amidst the backdrop of chaos that followed Italy's capitulation. The occupation involved not only military control but also the establishment of a regime that aimed to suppress any resistance from the local populace and maintain order in an increasingly precarious situation.

In the days leading up to the occupation, the political situation in Italy was chaotic. King Victor Emmanuel III had dismissed Mussolini and sought an armistice with the Allies, which was officially announced on September 8, 1943. This sudden shift caught German forces by surprise, but they quickly mobilized to prevent the Allies from establishing a foothold in Rome. The swift German response underscored the strategic importance of the city as well as their commitment to maintaining influence in southern Europe. The occupation of Rome by German forces signified the beginning of a harsh military regime, marked by strict security measures and the repression of dissent.

The German occupation of Rome lasted until its liberation by Allied forces in June 1944. It became a period of tremendous hardship for the Roman population, characterized by food shortages, curfews, and the threat of repression. The Nazis aimed to turn the city into a stronghold against the advancing Allies, marking it as a key battleground in the Italian Campaign. This occupation not only affected the residents of Rome but influenced the overall course of the war in Europe, affecting troop movements and strategies in the Mediterranean theater.