Note: DO NOT POST IN THIS THREAD Mussolinis War Some opening thoughts: War is unavoidable. Italy is already at war with Ethiopia, expanding its presence in Africa. World Politics are starting to boil over too, and Asia is already descending into a World of Conflict. What part will ambitious Italy play? Immediate Goals: Annex Ethiopia Redeploy Ethiopian Forces to Europe Reorganize Armed Forces Research New Technology - Focus on Aircraft and Land Forces Research Aircraft Carriers Preserve Italian Navy Until Arrival of Aircraft Carriers Keep an Eye on Spain Production Plans: Mostly Infantry Armor + Artillery Upgraded Airforce Focus on Upgrades
1936 "Year of Expansion" The Year of 1936 was an eventful one for Italian Armed Forces. It started early, with the annexation of Ethiopia after a month of fighting. Once Ethiopia was secured, most of the Italian Troops in its borders were given a long rest back in Italy. They would need it as they were to be the leading forces of the Invasion of Spain. Spain erupted into Civil War and Italy chose not to send aid. Instead, Italian Forces boarded ships and landed in Souther Spain, securing ports and airfields before quickly moving inland as more reinforcements arrived. Spanish forces crumbled in the face of the powerful Italian Army. The last Republican Stronghold in the northern mountains fell shortly before the last Nationalist stronghold (in the same vicinity) also fell to overwhelming numbers. An overzealous photographer, who had taken many images of the conquest, overexposed the images and all were deemed useless. However, the image below is of Italian Territories after the Annexation of Spain. 1937 "Modernization" Compared to the turmoil of 1936, 1937 was a year of calm. Only the signing of the Anti-Commitern Pact between the Italians, Germans, and Japanese is worth note, along with the formation of the first Italian Armored Division. 1937 was a year of great gains in the field of technology. Industrial Efficiency was increased, new weapons were researched, and upgrades and reformation was made across the board.
1938 "Gearing Up For War" Beginning of 1938 Technology: The Anschluss of Austria in March of 1938 was the defining moment of this year. The Clouds of War are on the horizon, that much is sure, and Italy experiences a year of mobilization and further improvements along all fronts. The one thing that had Mussolini extremely excited was the news that his Improved Air Carrier was finally in the works, but would not be ready until September 24, 1940 if all goes to plan. But this is good news indeed for the Italian Navy! Technology and Production, early 1939:
