John Gooch Knihy

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The book offers a fresh perspective on military disasters, challenging conventional theories that attribute failures to individual or collective shortcomings. Instead, it delves into the intricate relationships among people, systems, and organizations, arguing that these complex interconnections are the true sources of significant military misfortunes. Through insightful analysis, the authors illuminate the underlying factors that contribute to unexpected outcomes in military operations.

While staying closely aligned with Hitler, Mussolini remained carefully neutral until the summer of 1940. Then, with the wholly unexpected and sudden collapse of the French and British armies, Mussolini declared war on the Allies in the hope of making territorial gains in southern France and Africa. This decision proved a horrifying miscalculation, dooming Italy to its own prolonged and unwinnable war, immense casualties and an Allied invasion in 1943 which ushered in a terrible new era for the country. John Gooch's new book is the definitive account of Italy's war experience. Beginning with the invasion of Abyssinia and ending with Mussolini's arrest, Gooch brilliantly portrays the nightmare of a country with too small an industrial sector, too incompetent a leadership and too many fronts on which to fight. Everywhere - whether in the USSR, the Western Desert or the Balkans - Italian troops found themselves against either better-equipped or more motivated enemies. The result was a war entirely at odds with the dreams of pre-war Italian planners - a series of desperate improvizations against Allies who could draw on global resources and against whom Italy proved helpless. This remarkable book rightly shows the centrality of Italy to the war, outlining the brief rise and disastrous fall of the Italian military campaign

Rejecting accepted theories for unexpected military disasters, the authors brilliantly analyze disasters of great magnitude. They assert that military misfortune turns not on individual or collective failure but is rooted in the nature of the complex interconnections between men, systems, and organizations.

Focusing on the historical context, the book explores the unification of the Italian states beginning in 1815, following the Napoleonic Wars. It examines the underlying racial, linguistic, and cultural connections that fostered a sense of shared identity among the diverse states, despite their initial disunity. The narrative highlights how these factors contributed to the eventual political unity of Italy and discusses the lasting legacy of this unification.

Focusing on the British General Staff, this pioneering study explores the evolution of military strategy leading up to the First World War. It details the development of the General Staff and its strategic planning role, examining issues that emerged within the War Office and their progression to the Cabinet. The book navigates the intricate interactions among the Admiralty, Foreign Office, Treasury, and key figures from Edward VII onward. Additionally, it analyzes British military policy up to 1916, including an interpretation of the Gallipoli campaign and its failures.

The book, first published in 1981, offers insights and perspectives on its subject matter, reflecting the academic rigor and publishing standards of Routledge, an imprint known for its scholarly contributions. It serves as a valuable resource for readers seeking to understand the context and developments in its field during that time. The work is positioned within the broader framework of Taylor & Francis, emphasizing its commitment to quality and research-driven content.

Culturally significant, this work has been preserved to reflect its original form, including copyright references and library stamps. It serves as an important artifact in the knowledge base of civilization, offering insights into its historical context. Scholars have recognized its value, ensuring that readers can access a faithful reproduction that maintains the integrity of the original text.

A major new account of the role and performance of the Italian army in the First World War.