The Fall of the Fascist State 194-45 Flashcards
Why did Mussolini join WWII on the side of the Axis?
After being advised against joining the war there seemed to be little to no risk in May 1940.
Hitler may seek vengeance if Italy didn’t honour their alliance with Germany as they had done in 1914.
Honour and the need to prove Italy was a world power.
When did Italy enter WW2?
June 10, 1940
What were some of Italy’s economic weaknesses?
Germany estimated that the Italian economy was only operating at 25% of its potential.
Italy was the only country engaged in WWII that didn’t increase its GDP between 1940 and 1942.
Italy still had thousands of unemployed workers, whereas other countries had moved to almost 100% employment during the war.
What were some of Italy’s Military weaknesses?
Italy had 75 divisions but only enough equipment to arm 35 of them.
Around ⅓ of the tanks and ¼ of the artillery being supplied to Africa was destroyed by British attacks in the Mediterranea. Many of the rifles and cannon supplied to the army dated from WWI.
Its naval ships had no radar equipment and very little oil.
when did France request an armistice with Germany?
17th June 1940
When did Italy invade the alps?
20th June 1940
What advancements were made from the invasion of the alps?
Advancement was slow and the Italians only captured 13 unimportant villages at the cost of 631 men.
When did Mussolini order the partial demobilisation of Italian troops?
7th July 1940
When did Italy launch its attack on Greece?
28th October 1940
How many Italian soldiers were sent to Greece?
60,000
How many troops did Mussolini assume that Greece had?
30,000
How many troops did Greece actually have?
300,000
