Hello, and thank you for listening to the history of World War II podcast, Episode

60, Sand, Saltwater, and Oil.

The war in North Africa and by extension, the Mediterranean Sea, was to be Italy's

arena.

This was to be Benito Mussolini's rebuilding of the great Roman Empire, not to mention

his justification for being considered an equal on the world stage to Adolf Hitler.

But it was not to be a shared, glorious resurgence.

This was to be Mussolini's parallel war.

But Italy's waging in this war would reflect the leader's character.

It would be opportunistic, but poorly executed.

Germany would first allow Germany to weaken the British and only then engage Italy's

Mediterranean rival.

And by June of 1940, that time had come.

There's no cowardice in being shrewd in military matters.

Germany had to fight Great Britain if the British would not negotiate.

And by the summer of 1940, Germany had its answer.

So now the two were engaged, and it was only common sense to ponder.

When Italy got her empire at a cheap price, maybe the British would retreat to Cairo

or to the Suez.

They may even focus solely on their home island.

Maybe the struggling British would negotiate for what they were about to lose.

And gracious Italy would certainly consider allowing the British to retreat in peace.

...