Mussolini Warlord

Fascist Italy has received far too little attention in the military history of the Axis partnership. This is the first comprehensive study of Benito Mussolini's military efforts to build an empire during World War II. It details the fascist dictator's attempt to build both a Mediterranean empire and Balkan empire, as well as a narrative history of his tragically flawed illusions; Italy's disastrous military performance; the heroism of Italian soldiers, sailors, and airmen; and the brutal counterinsurgency programs. Italy's various war theaters are discussed singly, with major battles outlined, military aptitude and results judged, and relations with the Axis partner described. Fascist ideology and the Italian army's conduct in the occupied territoriesFrance, Yugoslavia, Albania, Greece, Russia, East Africa, and North Africaare also analyzed. Mussolini was the single individual most responsible for Italy's failure during World War II. H. James Burgwynis professor emeritus of history at Westchester University and the author of important works on modern Italian history.

H. James Burgwyn is Emeritus Professor of History at West Chester University. He is the author of Empire on the Adriatic Enigma Books; Italian Foreign Policy in the Interwar Period 1918-1940 Greenwood Press. The Legend of the Mutilated Victory: Italy, the Great War, and the Paris Peace Conference, 1915-1919 Greenwood Press. II revisionismo fascista: La stida di Mussolini alle grandi potenze nei balcani e sul danubio 1925-1933 Feltrinelli and has contributed many articles in scholarly journals in both America and Europe. He lives in Philadelphia, PA.