Mussolini's Successor

You guys are forgetting that Italy was still a Kingdom at this stage, which means that the country still had a king. Umberto II may re-assert his authority (like Juan Carlos) and choose a socialist for all we know.
 
You guys are forgetting that Italy was still a Kingdom at this stage, which means that the country still had a king. Umberto II may re-assert his authority (like Juan Carlos) and choose a socialist for all we know.

Not unless he wanted a revolution in his hands.
 
You guys are forgetting that Italy was still a Kingdom at this stage, which means that the country still had a king. Umberto II may re-assert his authority (like Juan Carlos) and choose a socialist for all we know.

I didn't forget - I mentioned it exactly. Its hard to see him going directly against the executive and its power base, but it is possible he could back a progressive clique and choose a different Fascist prime minister than the one expected - ie sideline Ciano and go for an old hand who had the support of modernisers in the party. Kind of how Gorbachev got in over Romanov

Best Regards
Grey Wolf
 
I'm pretty sure Mussolini's war wounds were starting to really effect his health by 1945. Granted the stresses of the war likely aggravated his health, but in a neutral Italy scenario I don't know if he would survive until the 60s. My money's on Ciano but he certainly won't have the same level of personal power Mussolini did.

Also in such a world fascism would retain some credibility in that it isn't associated with nazism and could potentially be the third way during the cold war. Also would be keen to know Italy's actions during the last days of WW2, there is potential for them to backstab Germany in Austria and Yugoslavia. If so (not sure how her armies would go - German desertion will be very high, but the Italian Army performance is notoriously low) there is a chance for Italy to gain some influence in the post war world, even in post war politics you might see an international fascist movement - some of the more bitter anti-communists in the west would even openly sympathise.

Also don't forget that Italy has Libya, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia which will be dealing with terrorist movements in all likelihood. With all that Libyan Oil there is a good reason to believe this Italy will be very prosperous. A fascist government would deal better with any terrorists in those territories and likely keep the situation under control. All of these are indicators that fascism has worked and kept Italy strong, proud and respected - why junk fascism just because the old guy has died?
 
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