Part 4/10:
Hitler's relationship with Italy's Benito Mussolini was marked by admiration but quickly soured due to conflicting interests. The Berlin-Rome axis was forged out of Mussolini’s support for Hitler’s rise, but their initial enthusiasm was overshadowed by tension. Their differing military agendas became apparent when Mussolini chose to invade Greece without consulting Hitler, leading to disastrous consequences that frustrated the German command.
In private conversations, Hitler expressed embarrassment over his Italian ally, criticizing their ineffectiveness and military failures. Mussolini's attempts to assert independence while relying on German support exposed the fragility of their alliance, ultimately leading to a lack of genuine respect from Hitler toward Italy.