Italian Fascist's: A Perfect Example And History of Cowardice, Back Stabbing and Betrayal – From Mussolini’s Feeble Soldiers to the Modern Rise of Giorgia Meloni's Distrustful Sex Deviant Far-Right coalition government.

 

The relationship between Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy during World War II was complicated and occasionally laughable even if human lives were at stake, lets not forget.

It's true both had similar or shared ideologies but they had slight, some think ''significant'' differences in their political structures, military efficiency, and popular support. 

 

1. Commonalities Between Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy During WWII

Ideological Parallels:

Both governments were built on nationalist, authoritarian ideologies, opposing liberal democracy, socialism, and communism.

They preferred  militarism, totalitarianism, and expansionist policies, aiming to reshape Europe to their liking.

Anti-Semitism was a shared characteristic, although the intensity and execution were far more deadly in Nazi Germany than in Fascist Italy.

Political Alignment:

Hitler and Mussolini both rejected the Treaty of Versailles and the Treaty of St. Germain, which they believed humiliated their respective nations after World War I.

The Rome-Berlin Axis (1936) formalized their political and military alliance, and they cooperated in military campaigns such as the invasion of France in 1940.

2. Why Nazism Was More Successful in Germany than Fascism in Italy

A Stronger Ideological and Organizational Foundation:

Totalitarianism vs. Authoritarianism: Nazi Germany was a totalitarian state where the Nazi Party controlled nearly every aspect of society, whereas Fascist Italy retained some semblance of a monarchy, church influence, and regional autonomy. This led to a less cohesive structure in Italy.

Propaganda and Cult of Personality: Hitler's propaganda machine was more effective in instilling Nazi ideology into the German populace, partly due to Joseph Goebbels' propaganda strategies. Mussolini struggled to achieve the same level of devotion, with many Italians being indifferent or even hostile to his rule.

Military Efficiency and Industrial Capacity:

Germany's economy and military infrastructure were far more developed than Italy's, resulting in a better-equipped and more organised army. Germany had significant industrial capacity, while Italy was far  in modernisation and resources.

National Unity and Willingness to Fight:

The German people were largely united behind Hitler, especially after the quick successes of the early war years. In contrast, Mussolini’s government was unpopular among many Italians, especially after Italy's military failures, leading to a lack of motivation to fight.

3. Why Italian Soldiers Were Reluctant to Fight for Mussolini

Poor Leadership and Organisation:

Mussolini's military campaigns were often poorly planned and inadequately supported, resulting in heavy losses in Greece, North Africa, and the Soviet Union.

Widespread Disillusionment:

Many Italian soldiers lacked the ideological fervour found in the German army. They didn’t see Mussolini's wars as serving Italy’s national interests and became increasingly demoralised by repeated defeats.

Low Morale and Inadequate Supplies:

Italian soldiers often fought with inferior equipment, insufficient food, and lack of ammunition, making them less willing to fight a losing battle. This explains situations where they surrendered or removed their uniforms mid-battle to avoid unnecessary sacrifice.

Example of Italian Surrender:

One of the most notorious moments was during the Battle of El Alamein (1942), where many Italian soldiers surrendered to the British, sometimes without a fight. The fact and history of Italian soldiers taking off their coats mid-battle is emblematic of their desperation and lack of commitment to Mussolini's cause .

4. The Rescue of Mussolini by Otto Skorzeny and His Subsequent Death

Otto Skorzeny’s Rescue of Mussolini:

Mussolini was imprisoned by the Italian government in 1943 after his overthrow. In September 1943, SS officer Otto Skorzeny led a daring raid known as the "Gran Sasso Raid," rescuing Mussolini from a mountain hotel and taking him to Nazi Germany, where he led the Italian Social Republic (a Nazi puppet state) in Northern Italy.

Mussolini's Capture and Execution:

By April 1945, with the Axis collapse imminent, Mussolini attempted to escape to Switzerland with his mistress, Clara Petacci. However, they were captured by Italian partisans near Lake Como on April 27, 1945, and executed the next day.

Their bodies were taken to Milan, where they were hung upside down from a gas station in Piazzale Loreto, a public display meant to signify the end of Fascism in Italy. This brutal treatment reflected the widespread hatred towards Mussolini's regime .

5. The Rise of Fascism in Modern Italy

Recent Surge in Right-Wing Ideologies:

In recent years, Italy has seen a resurgence of right-wing, nationalist sentiment. The Brothers of Italy (Fratelli d'Italia), a far-right party led by Giorgia Meloni, rose in prominence, marking a resurgence of elements associated with historical fascism.

Factors Contributing to This Resurgence:

Economic Instability: Persistent economic challenges, unemployment, and slow growth have fuelled dissatisfaction with mainstream political parties, making nationalist narratives more appealing.

Immigration Issues: The influx of immigrants and refugees, especially from North Africa and the Middle East, has intensified debates about national identity and security, which far-right parties have exploited.

Disillusionment with the European Union: Many Italians feel that the EU's policies have disadvantaged their country, leading to the popularity of nationalist movements that promise to "take back control."

Electoral Data:

In the 2018 Italian general election, far-right parties collectively received a significant share of the vote, with the Lega (formerly Lega Nord) receiving 17.4%, and Fratelli d'Italia garnering around 4.4% .

By the 2022 general election, Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy won around 26% of the vote, making it the leading party, and she became the first female Prime Minister in Italy’s history .

Is History Repeating Itself?

Modern-day Italy's far-right does not perfectly mirror the totalitarian fascism of Mussolini's era, there are undeniable parallels in their nationalist rhetoric, anti-immigrant policies, and scepticism towards the EU. This rise suggests a resurgence of populism, authoritarianism, and ultra-nationalism, echoing certain aspects of Italy's dark past. 

The alliance between Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy was marked by shared ambitions but fundamental differences in military strength, popular support, and ideological implementation. 

While Nazi Germany's militaristic and propagandist success overshadowed Italy's faltering fascism, modern Italy's resurgence of right-wing populism points to an ongoing struggle with issues of national identity, sovereignty, and economic security. 

Whether this is a repeat of history or a temporary reaction to contemporary challenges remains an open question.

Olofin [ 4Qua Of Orion ]