 The changing political and military situation re-opened questions regarding the status of Italian territories, particularly those with German-speaking majorities that were formerly under Austrian rule.Previously, Hitler had vigorously suppressed any campaigning for the return of lands such as South Tyrol in order to maintain good relations with his Italian ally.In the aftermath of the Kingdom of Italy's abandonment of the Axis on 8 September 1943, Germany seized and "de facto" incorporated some Italian territories.