Capturing the Fascist Moment: Hitler's Visit to Italy in 1938 and the Radicalization of Fascist Italy

Abstract

In May 1938, Italians and the world were treated to the spectacle of Adolf Hitler's visit to Italy. The visit was a prime example of overheated Fascist propaganda. For seven days, Hitler was feted in a manner that was far removed from a normal state visit. Yet, for all the pomp and ceremony, nothing was accomplished to further the Axis alliance, even though the Germans came prepared to sign a full military alliance. For this reason, the Hitler visit has always been seen as nothing more than an anecdote or colourful backdrop to the years leading up to the Second World War. Left unanswered is why the Fascist regime went to such extraordinary lengths to impress the German leader, even if it meant alienating the Vatican, the monarchy, and the Italian people. Why did Fascism risk losing the consensus it had worked so hard to gain in the years following the conquest of Ethiopia? This article argues that the visit broadcast Italy's intention to move on a more radical, pro-German path in the following years while leaving the Fascist regime free from having to make any binding commitments that would threaten domestic consensus. The careful planning of the visit was aimed at sending a clear message to Italians and the world about where the Fascist regime intended to go in the following years.