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How Allied Bombing Raids Led To The Creation of Vespa
From bombers to scooters
Vespas are one of the most iconic vehicles in the world. After featuring heavily in the classic movie Roman Holiday, the little Italian scooters have held a place of fondness in many people’s hearts ever since. While the Vespa gave birth to the modern scooter revolution, the company got its start in one of the darkest periods in European history.
Most people don’t realize that Vespas were born out of deep need and even desperation in war-ravaged Italy following the conclusion of World War II.
Italy Ravaged
Italy bore a heavy blow during World War II. Starting with Operation Husky, the Allies invaded Sicily and then the Italian Peninsula, leap-frogging their way from North Africa. By 1943, Allied bombers were overflying important Italian cities such as Milan and Rome. It wasn’t long until Italy capitulated, much to the chagrin of their German allies. Germany refused to let Italy go without a fight and reinforced their northern and mountainous positions. While Italy was out of the war, they still had unwelcome German troops nestled throughout the country.
