NapoleonXIV said:
As we all know, Mussolini came to power in 1919. At that time Hitler was just being assigned to spy on the activities of a small group of radicals.
(...)
The AH Challenge is to take a POD of anytime after 1919 and have Italy be the main player in WWII, essentially taking Germany's place in that conflict.
Ehem, on March the 23, 1919, Mussolini and other Great War veterans formed the National Fascist Party. They did not gain power until October the 29, 1922, when the Italian King asked Mussolini to come to Rome and form a government.
Anyway, it would be very hard for Italy to take Germany's place as the main force behind the Axis. First of all Mussolini himself would be a major stumbling point. And second, the Italian industry was simply not up to it...
But ok, let's give it a go. No war in Abyssinia - more resources for armed forces (modernization). Balbo creates a powerfull and modern RA (the Italians were into jets quite early, but has some difficulty with the engines). Radars are being researced and tested on the RM's warships (the lack of founding halted the programme in OTL - check out the regiamarina.net for more info). The Spanish Civil War playes out much like OTL, but he Italians actually learn form their experiences and Franco takes a liking to Mussolini and the more successfull Italians. Mussolini humiliates Hitler regarding Austria in ´38 and is seen as the great European Leader (instead of Hitler in OTL). Oil is found and exploited in Libya - more resources are poured into industry and military. Italians meddles constantly in the Balkans and gain access to Yogslavian rwa materials one way or another. Somewhere around ´40, the Italians and French get into a war. Spain (and Germany?) backs Italy and we have a war... Plausible? Noooo, but it might just do it...
Best rergards!
- Mr.Bluenote.
