The Regia Marina as a Mediterranean strategic fulcrum

A counterfactual without Italy in the war shows why the Regia Marina mattered strategically. Without a Mediterranean naval threat, the Royal Navy could divide its commitments more cleanly between the Battle of the Atlantic and a carrier-, cruiser-, and fast-battleship-heavy war in the Far East. Forces in the Indian Ocean could reinforce either theatre through the Mediterranean, potentially strengthening deterrence against Japan or shortening the response to a crisis. The burden imposed by Italy also included fuel, ammunition, personnel, maintenance, and command attention, as well as the maritime demands of campaigns in North Africa and Greece. A fleet can shape strategy by forcing an opponent to allocate resources even when a tally of ships sunk does not show that influence.