When Germany invaded Poland on 1 September 1939 beginning World War II, Mussolini chose to stay non-belligerent, although he declared his support for Hitler. In drawing out war plans, Mussolini and the Fascist regime decided that Italy would aim to annex large portions of Africa and the Middle East. Hesitance remained from the King and military commander Pietro Badoglio who warned Mussolini that Italy had too few tanks, armoured vehicles, and aircraft available to be able to carry out a long-term war. Mussolini and the Fascist regime thus waited as France was invaded by Germany in June 1940 (Battle of France) before deciding to get involved.
When Germany invaded Poland on 1 September 1939 beginning World War II, Mussolini chose to stay non-belligerent, although he declared his support for Hitler. In drawing out war plans Mussolini and the Fascist regime decided that Italy would aim to annex large portions of Africa and the Middle East Hesitance remained from the King and military commander Pietro Badoglio who warned Mussolini that Italy had too few. tanks, armoured vehicles, and aircraft available to be able to carry out a long-term war Mussolini and the Fascist regime thus wait,ed as France was invaded by Germany in. June 1940 (Battle of France) before deciding to get involved.