Italy's 'Stab in the Back'

10th June 1940: Mussolini is determined to get into the war despite being unprepared - as Roosevelt warns that America must be ready to defend itself

Hitler’s military successes brought him to the height of his popularity at home - and Mussolini was envious.

The Italian Dictator Benito Mussolini had bided his time since his meeting Hitler at the Brenner Pass in March - when it became clear that he wanted to align himself with Germany. But he was determined to enter the war only if assured of being on …