Italian History - Social Aspects, World War II - Social Aspects, European Theater - World War II - Invasion & Occupation, Italian History - 1922 - 1945 (Fascist Era & World War II), European Theater - World War II - Campaigns & Individual Battles, General

Sideshow War

Name: Sideshow War
Author: George F. Botjer
ISBN: 9780890967188

by George F. Botjer

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Overview

The liberation of Italy posed deeply rooted concerns from both the Axis' and Allies' sides. Was the American and British campaign in Italy worth the enormous loss of manpower and materiel and the near destruction of Italy? The Germans faced a similar dilemma: Could they afford the diversion of men and war machines from the Russian front for Italy's defense? Historians today still question whether it was all worthwhile. In Sideshow War: The Italian Campaign, 1943-1945, George F. Botjer not only examines the social dynamic, including economic, political, and cultural factors, that influenced the unfolding of this campaign, but he also provides new, unpublished documentation highlighting Axis defensive operations in Sicily and their takeover of Italy and the internment of the Italian army. He includes new documentation of economic conditions in German-occupied northern Italy and the extent to which Germany exploited the industries of that region. Incorporating the German, Allied, and Italian points of view, this perspective on the Italian campaign will engross and inform military historians and anyone interested in World War II and the war's effects on social, economic, and political life.

About the Author, George F. Botjer

George F. Botjer received his Ph.D. in history from Florida State University. A professor of history at the University of Tampa, he lives in Clearwater, Florida.

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Editorials

Library Journal

The Allied offensive in Italy during World War II has generated much controversy. The consensus of historians is that this venture was unnecessary, resulting in significant casualties and accomplishing little to hasten the end of the war. In this work, Botjer history, Univ. of Tampa argues that both sides accomplished their objectives: The Allies tied down a large number of German troops, while the Germans, under General Kesslering, conducted a delaying action that kept a large Allied army away from German borders. Unfortunately, the campaign did not have to happen in the first place. Botjer's study collects both Allied and Axis military archives as well as offering political, social, and economic details not covered in traditional military studies. Especially interesting are the activities of the Italian Fascists, Mussolini, and Pope Pius XII. While Richard Lamb's The War in Italy, 1943-1945 St. Martin's, 1993 remains the best one-volume coverage of the Italian campaign, this volume is recommended for history collections because of its political and economic coverage.Richard S. Nowicki, Emerson Vocational H.S., Buffalo, N.Y.