Mussolini and the Habsburg-Savoy Rapprochement

Although he complained about having to deal with the monarchy such as when Hitler visited the country (and Hitler, who was adamantly opposed to monarchy, warned Mussolini that the Royal Family was against him and that the monarchy should be abolished at the first available opportunity), the Duce always seemed willing to make use of the monarchy as a dynastic tool for the advancement of Italian interests. When the so-called Austro-fascists sounded him out about the possibility of restoring the House of Hapsburg he made no objection and even spoke of another Hapsburg-Savoy dynastic alliance to cement the ties between Italy and Austria. During the Italian intervention he also proposed Prince Amadeus, Duke of Aosta, as a potential Spanish monarch (as his ancestor had briefly been). The King disliked this idea and, no doubt to his relief, Franco turned it down.

The question here is what would the result of that Habsburg-Savoy rapprochement have been? Would that have pitted Italy-Austria against Hitler? Or would Hitler (who hated any and all forms of monarchy) have simply invaded and annexed Austria anyway?

Please discuss
 
Interesting Idea, I think Italy and Germany almost went to war with each other over Austria in 1934. If Italy wins, this could be doable. As for Spain, you would need a different Nationalist in charge. Would Mola or Sanjurjo go for it?
 
Austria by itself stood a good chance to beat back the Germans. If the Italians actually commit, Hitler would back down, since his army is still a glorified militia at this point.

Getting the Spanish to accept Amadeo, Duke of Aosta, as figurehead King might be doable, although he'll be just that, a figurehead. The Spanish military (whoever is in charge) would still look out only for their own selfish interests.

If Italy & Germany still find common ground eventually and launch WW2 as we know it (not very likely IMO), the biggest probable butterfly from this would be a worse Italian performance in Abyssinia, and also Amadeo not dying from disease at Amba Alagi.
 
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