The newly unified state has combined forces that recently fought one another and do not yet share a strong national identity. At sea, the merger brings together different logistics, procurement, training, and operational philosophies, then mixes officers across unfamiliar ships. The French- and British-influenced traditions do not instantly become common doctrine merely because the ships now fly one flag. Mutual hostility and weak institutional cohesion are operational constraints rather than incidental background to Persano's defeat.
Notable Point · 10:57-12:29
Two navies are ordered to become one fleet
Italy's new fleet combines rival personnel, incompatible systems, and British- and French-influenced operating cultures without time to build cohesion.