Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed We are joined by Steven Guerra of The History of the Papacy Podcast to discuss Italy’s attack on Greece, the Battle of Taranto and some of the what if’s of WWII.

Sebastiano Visconti Prasca (1883–1961) was an Italian general. He led the initial offensive of the Greco-Italian War, but was relieved of his command after two weeks for incompetence.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed Italy has invaded Greece, but under Prime Mister Metaxas, the Greeks are ready. The Italians are drawn in and then the defenders use their mountains to launch counter attacks. The world is impressed, but Churchill is already committed to Egypt and the U.S. is committed to Britain. General Prasca’s leadership will last only 15 days.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed Mussolini and Hitler deceive each other over desired territory, while Prime Mister Metaxas of Greece tries to stay below Italy’s radar. Britain is through trying to separate Italy from Germany and decides to support the smaller Aegean power, despite the prevailing opinion that the outcome will be nothing more than a quick Italian victory.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed Mussolini would pay back Hitler “in his own coin” by invading Greece without first telling his Axis partner. But the Greek people, for all their industrial limitations were angry with the Italians and their Dictator Ioannis Metaxas, had the experience to ready his people and country to their limit. The photo is of Greek Dictator Metaxas.