Japan's early naval victories threatened Italy's standing within the Axis. The assessment credits Italy's capital ships, cruisers, and task forces with tying down the bulk of the Royal Navy's major assets. Fear of appearing subordinate offers one explanation for Mussolini's eagerness to declare war. Clarke presents the declarations as a race in which Mussolini wanted to appear ahead of Hitler. Germany and Italy coordinated their declarations, while the same day's three-power agreement committed the partners to negotiating peace collectively.
Chapter · 29:23-32:41
Mussolini's prestige race and Italy's naval standing
Italy's naval standing and Mussolini's concern with prestige provide an explanation for his eagerness to join the American war.