Iron Arm: The Mechanization of Mussolini's Army, 1920-40 (Stackpole Military History Series)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0811733513 ISBN 13: 9780811733519

Publisher: Stackpole Books, 2006

A detailed study of Italy's long-ignored tank force

Explores the intersection of technology, war, and society in Mussolini's Italy

Second only to Germany in number of tank divisions, first to create an armored corps Though overshadowed by Germany's more famous Afrika Korps, Italian tanks formed a large part of the Axis armored force that the Allies confronted--and ultimately defeated--in North Africa in the early years of World War II. Those tanks were the product of two decades of debate and development as the Italian military struggled to produce a modern, mechanized army in the aftermath of World War I. For a time, Italy stood near the front of the world's tank forces--but once war came, Mussolini's iron arm failed as an effective military force. This is the story of its rise and fall.

About the Author:

The late John Joseph Timothy Sweet studied under Sir Basil Liddell Hart and earned a doctorate from Kansas State University. A native of California, Sweet was killed on active duty with the U.S. Army. His other book is Mounting the Threat (0-89141-026-0).

Review:

"The first detailed study of the subject to see print. Carefully researched from original sources....The story of Iron Arm--Mussolini's name for his armored divisions, is a most worthwhile addition to the historical lore of military mechanization in modern times."-Military Affairs