On this site there has been a variety of scenarios proposed where Hitler is assassinated, usually by 1943, where it is generally supposed the succeeding leaders would be more successful in prosecuting the remainder of the war. I wonder what the result would be if something like this happened to Italy, after they have entered the war and are unable to extricate themselves from it, but before Mussolini does further spectacular damage.
Don't get me wrong, I do not envisage something as fanciful as an Axis victory with such a change, but I do wonder if on the micro level things will be more successful for Italy. The Italian Army had many faults including inferior equipment, poor leadership, outdated doctrine and an archaic organisational structure. However I think it fair to say that their biggest single problem was the political interference of Mussolini and the idiotic schemes he often plunged them into with little or no planning. The fighting tenacity of the Italian soldier was often highly praised by both sides during the war, but it was recognised they were poorly led. The timing of this POD means that the major damage is already done (ie Italy entering the war - and entering it unprepared). However removing Mussolini from the helm also might remove the disastrous invasion of Greece, or if not remove it entirely at least allow the Army to make adequate arrangements in preparation for it.
I'm unsure who would take over in such an instance, probably Ciano, although the level of power he yields is unlikely to ever match that of his predecessor. In such a scenario the Monarchy might start to reassert itself which is probably a good thing for the Italian Military since many of their better officers were more royalist than fascist.
Any thoughts of the above?
Don't get me wrong, I do not envisage something as fanciful as an Axis victory with such a change, but I do wonder if on the micro level things will be more successful for Italy. The Italian Army had many faults including inferior equipment, poor leadership, outdated doctrine and an archaic organisational structure. However I think it fair to say that their biggest single problem was the political interference of Mussolini and the idiotic schemes he often plunged them into with little or no planning. The fighting tenacity of the Italian soldier was often highly praised by both sides during the war, but it was recognised they were poorly led. The timing of this POD means that the major damage is already done (ie Italy entering the war - and entering it unprepared). However removing Mussolini from the helm also might remove the disastrous invasion of Greece, or if not remove it entirely at least allow the Army to make adequate arrangements in preparation for it.
I'm unsure who would take over in such an instance, probably Ciano, although the level of power he yields is unlikely to ever match that of his predecessor. In such a scenario the Monarchy might start to reassert itself which is probably a good thing for the Italian Military since many of their better officers were more royalist than fascist.
Any thoughts of the above?