The Italian Way of War: A Short History from Garibaldi to Operation Husky 1866—1943

“…a good introductory text offering a more positive view of Italian campaigns.” – Historical Miniatures Gaming Society

Italy experienced two anti-insurgent operations, two conventional wars against European powers, a civil war, and two colonial campaigns during its first fifty years as a nation. These encounters forced versatility. Italy entered World War One as a young nation with a fledgling industry and limited raw materials. Nevertheless, it progressed along the tactical learning curve of modern industrial warfare like other belligerents. The country’s strategic aspirations in World War Two, like those of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, exceeded its war-making capabilities.

The Italian Way of War synthesizes previous scholarship with original research to provide a balanced narrative and assessment of Italian military history from 1866 to 1943.

Jeffrey LaMonica is professor of history and coordinator of the Global Studies Program at Delaware County Community College in Media, Pennsylvania. He holds degrees in history and global studies from LaSalle University, Villanova University, and the University of Pennsylvania. Professor LaMonica’s publication topics include the US Army’s 1916 punitive expedition into Mexico, tactical development in the US Army during World War One, and Cold War diplomacy. He resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.