Mussolini’s ‘Roman Empire’



Overview

For all his bluster and grandiose nationalist rhetoric, and despite over 20 years in power to prepare, Mussolini’s Italian troops came up short in every theatre of war between 1940 and 1945.

Bailed out by Hitler in Greece, temporarily rescued by Rommel in North Africa, and invaded by the Allies in 1943, Italy was a burden on the Axis side. The main underlying reason for these military failures was Mussolini’s unwillingness to create a military-industrial complex worthy of the name. Behind a façade of industrial modernisation Italy’s economy lagged well behind other WWII belligerents.

Additionally Mussolini’s chaotic diplomacy led Italy to become subordinate to Hitler’s Germany, sacrificing Italy’s Mediterranean interests in the process.  

This lecture is part of the 'From Versailles to Potsdam: Diplomacy and Conflict in Europe 1919-1945' lecture series, taking place on Fridays from the 17th of October to the 21st of November. You may either register for individual lectures or the entire lecture series at a reduced price.

Please note: this lecture will close to enrolments at 23:59 on 14 October 2025.

Programme details

2–3.30pm BST (UTC+1)

For those attending in person at Rewley House, registration takes place from 1.45pm. The lecture will last approximately an 1 hour, followed by questions. Tea and coffee are provided in the Common Room after each lecture, from 3.30pm.

For those joining us online, please join in good time before each lecture to ensure that you have no connection problems. We recommend joining 10-15 minutes before the start time.

Fees

Description Costs
In-person event fee - (includes tea/coffee and a pastry) £18.00
Virtual event fee £15.00

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit or are a full-time student in the UK you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees.

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutor

Dr Martin Holmes

Tutor

Dr Martin Holmes is a member of the Senior Common Room at St Hugh’s College, where he was previously Lecturer in Politics for over 20 years. Additionally, he has been Director of the annual Nebraska at Oxford summer program since 1989. For the OUDCE he has taught several syllabi on the Foundations of Diplomacy course over the past decade, as well as guest lectures for the Diplomatic Studies Program. A strong supporter of lifelong education, he has also been a regular lecturer for the University of the Third Age (U3A). A specialist in International Relations and European Integration, he is the author of seven books. His latest publication, a diplomatic history of 20th century Europe, was published by Routledge in August: From the Treaty of Versailles to the Treaty of Maastricht: Conflict, carnage and cooperation in Europe 1918 – 93.

Application

Please use the 'Book' button on this page. Alternatively, please contact us to obtain an application form.

Accommodation

If you wish to stay with us before and/or after the event, please contact our Residential Centre for availability and discounted rates.

Call +44 (0) 1865 270362 or email res-ctr@conted.ox.ac.uk

Our accommodation in Wellington Square has been rated as 4-Star Campus Accommodation under Visit England. All bedrooms are modern, comfortably furnished with tea/coffee making facilities, Freeview television, private bath/shower rooms and free WiFi. For more details see our accommodation information.

IT requirements

For those joining us online

We will be using Zoom for the livestreaming of this lecture. If you’re attending online, you’ll be able to see and hear the speakers, and to submit questions via the Zoom interface. Joining instructions will be sent out prior to the start date. We recommend that you join the session at least 10-15 minutes prior to the start time – just as you might arrive a bit early at our lecture theatre for an in-person event.

Please note that this course will not be recorded.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support