The Italian Navy and Fascist Geopolitics in the Mediterranean Cover Image

Az olasz hadiflotta és a fasiszta geopolitika a Földközi-tenger térségében
The Italian Navy and Fascist Geopolitics in the Mediterranean

Author(s): Alessandro Mazzetti
Subject(s): Interwar Period (1920 - 1939), WW II and following years (1940 - 1949)
Published by: Magyar Tudományos Akadémia Bölcsészettudományi Kutatóközpont Történettudományi Intézet

Summary/Abstract: The relationship between the Italian navy and Benito Mussolini has not always been idyllic. Paolo Thaon de Revel was appointed Minister of the Navy to monitor what could be a transitional government. Despite numerous declarations on the Italian domain of the Mare Nostrum Benito Mussolini will never allocate the money necessary for this purpose. There was no mistake between the two. In fact it was the Regia Marina that had to convince the Duce to diplomatically resolve the Corfu crisis. A clash with the Royal Navy would have meant a sure defeat for the Italian naval force. Revel, Ciano, Bernotti succeeded, with great difficulty, in persuading the Italian prime minister. Mussolini perceived England as the true enemy while for the leaders and men of the Regia Marina the real danger was the French appetite in the ancient sea. With the Conference on Naval Disarmament Italy had become the third world naval power. Italy has played a very important role, often played almost unconsciously, but continually afflicted by the economic constraints that have influenced the choices.

  • Issue Year: 2019
  • Issue No: 4
  • Page Range: 543-556
  • Page Count: 14
  • Language: Hungarian