Military Campaigns + the Parallel war

What was Mussolini's concept of a "Parallel war"?

Italy fighting alongside Germany but independently.

What were Mussolini's two main aims for the African Campaign?

To continue short-term propaganda victories and to pursue Mare Nostrum even if Hitler was not willing to help.

How far did Italian troops advance into Egypt?

By 9th September - They advanced $60$ miles in $4$ days and reached Sidi Barrani.

Who took over and made a huge impact in the African Campaign after Graziani resigned?

Rommel's troops, who were sent by Hitler.

By which dates were Libya secured and Tobruk fallen during the mid-war period?

Libya was secure by mid-$1941$ and Tobruk fell in June $1942$.

What strategic failure by Mussolini caused the Egypt campaign to stall?

Mussolini did not take the opportunity to invade British Malta, leading to the British sinking Italian supply ships.

What happened to Italo Balbo, and who replaced him?

He was shot down and replaced by Graziani, who was noted as being more cautious.

What specific equipment failure contributed to low morale during the desert campaigns?

Tanks were not built for crossing deserts and became stuck in the sand.

Which warships were lost during the British attack on the Italian port of Taranto?

Italy lost $2$ heavy cruisers and $2$ light cruisers.

When did the British take Somaliland and Abyssinia?

British forces took Somaliland in March $1941$ and Abyssinia on 6th April $1941$.

What occurred during Operation Torch?

$107,000$ allies entered Morocco and pushed towards Tunisia, forcing Rommel to face attacks from both the west and east.

How many Italian troops did Mussolini send to fight in Operation Barbarossa?

$200,000$.

What was Mussolini's primary motivation for sending troops to fight in Operation Barbarossa?

He was keen to show he was loyal to Hitler, with no link to ideology.

What specific issues led to the Italian involvement in Operation Barbarossa being described as a disaster?

The troops had inadequate clothing and training.

How many Italian troops were killed during Operation Barbarossa?

$80,000$.

How did the failure of Operation Barbarossa affect Mussolini's domestic standing?

The Cult of Personality and propaganda collapsed, and Italians began to see Mussolini as a puppet to "Hitler's war."

How many Italian and German troops surrendered in Africa?

$275,000$ on 12th May $1943$.

Why did Mussolini seek a quick propaganda victory in October?

The African campaign was slow and he needed to maintain morale and Italian strength.

How did Hitler's actions in Romania influence Mussolini's decision to invade Greece?

Hitler took control of Romania without consulting Mussolini, which humiliated him and motivated him to demonstrate he was the more serious partner.

What geopolitical concept did the invasion of Greece aim to fulfill?

Mare Nostrum, while also challenging British influence in the Mediterranean.

How many troops were initially deployed for the Greek campaign and what was a major failure in their preparation?

$140,000$ troops who were poorly equipped for winter.

What environmental factors caused the troops to stall after entering Greece from Albania?

Heavy rain and mud slides.

By December, how much territory in Albania had been taken by the Greeks?

$\frac{1}{4}$ of Albania.

What were the characteristics of the troop expansion in Albania in December?

The troops were untrained and had low morale due to conditions; they were unsure why they were invading and utilized tactics similar to WWI.

What were the results of the new campaign in Greece?

The campaign collapsed with $12,000$ casualties and less than $1\,km$ taken.

When did the Greek army surrender to Germany following Mussolini's appeal for help?

From 9th to 23rd April.

How was Operation Barbarossa affected by the intervention in Greece?

It was delayed by $6$ weeks.