Italy lacked basic raw materials of its own.
Italy became increasingly dependent on German coal since the British stopped trading coal with them.
Mussolini had no clear strategy or plan for the war.
Growing social unrest and waves of strikes occurred in Italy.
In Oct 1940, Mussolini ordered demobilisation of troops; a week later he decided to attack Greece.
Italy and Germany fought in as a ‘parallel’ war (fighting the same opponents but in different theatres and different national aims).
35 of the army’s 80 divisions were still using rifles made in 1891.
There was a large low-quality fleet of submarines.
When France is close to surrender in 1940 (to Germany), Italy decides to enter the war on the side of Germany.
Mussolini believed that his campaigns would be won quickly.
The level of food-rationing in Italy during wartime was about the same as Nazi-occupied Poland.
Mussolini followed Hitler by declaring war on the USA in December 1941.
The Fascist administration was inefficient and corrupt.
There was a shortage of agricultural labour and fertiliser for the crops.
Mussolini had told Germany before that Italy would only be ready for war by 1943.
There was little co-operation between the Italians and the Germans
Agricultural production dropped by 25% between 1940-43.
Unasked by Hitler, Mussolini sent troops to assist in the German attack on the Soviet Union in June 1940.
The British used their navy to disrupt trade in the Mediterranean sea.
Mussolini took all the top positions for himself (e.g. Commander in Chief on all fronts, War Minister)
In 1939, Italy only stocked around 5 months’ worth of fuel.
Naval resources focused on only 8 prestige battleships of which only 2 saw major conflict.
The Italian traditional elite continued to have power over the state and prevented the full Fascistisation of the state.
Italy had a large, outdated airforce.
From Feb 1940, Mussolini’s health was deteriorating.
Italy’s industry faced growing shortages of coal and oil as the war continued.
Whilst military production increased during the war, 1/3 of equipment was lost in transit across the Mediterranean.
Italy had virtually no anti-aircraft guns.
Mussolini often relied on his own intuition rather than having detailed discussions about the war effort.
Chief of Army Staff Graziani complained in 1940 that there were not enough rifles. Mussolini told him not to worry as the army was intended for show and not for action.
