Treaty parity with France frustrated Italian claims to superiority but also made cruisers the available symbols of national power. During the 1920s Italy did not build the dry docks, industrial capacity, storage, or sustainment systems needed for its ambitions. Political and military factions spent those years attacking limits instead of preparing the fleet for a medium or long war. The resulting program paired public display with weak foundations, while ship names also rehabilitated favored military figures.
Chapter · 44:52-53:09
Naval treaties make cruisers Italy's status units
Battleship limits redirected Italian prestige toward cruisers without prompting the shipyard, logistics, and maintenance investment needed for a larger fleet.