Italian Neutrality 1939-1940 Flashcards
Why was Mussolini in a pickle in August 1939?
Conclusion of Nazi-Soviet Pact about which Hitler had not consulted/informed Mussolini
For Italy this pact CONTRAVENED the anti-Comintern pact and now Mussolini was in a grave military position ; urged by Ciano to not go to war but choice of neutrality was problematic due to his strong fascist rhetoric + trincerocrazia - same choice as the liberal government in 1914 and his outrage at liberal non-intervention
What did Mussolini do instead?
Presented Hitler with a huge list of supplied that he claimed Italy would need before it could wage war with Germany ; 170 million tonnes of goods ; would’ve required 17000 trains and Hitler understood that Mussolini’s demands amounted to Italy’s resignation to neutrality and released him of his obligations on 27th August
What did Hitler ask Mussolini for instead?
Psychological support and to tie down Britain and France
Did Mussolini intervene when war broke out?
No - 3rd September - Fascist grand council and General Franco and Portugal all said no to intervention and Mussolini allowed it but the use of the term “non-belligerence” instead of neutrality
Vatican, Ciano and the king all cautioned him AGAINST intervention - German army swept across Europe and even Roosevelt sent an envoy telling him not to get involved
Mussolini’s decisions in March 1940?
Believed that Italy had to enter the war at one stage but the possibility of siding with Britain and France still remained
Switching sides would cause a German attack ; difficult to defend
How would Germany treat an ally that had betrayed them twice?
Timing has to be right against France to play a decisive part
Final outcome?
Told Badoglio that Italy required a few thousand dead to attend the peace conference as a Belligerent ; told the King of his decision too and then made up his mind
Ciano : “I am sad, very sad. The adventure begins. May God help Italy.” : 10th June 1940 ; Italian people had entered the war on the side of Nazi Germany
