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This Day in Alternate History Blog
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Italy 1936 - An alternate Italian history of World War II Part 15 By Vincent Longobardi
September 2nd 1945 The surrender documents between Japan and the United States are signed on the battleship Missouri. September 8th 1945 American forces occupy South Korea and the Soviet Union occupies North Korea creating the foundation for the two states. September 10th 1945 The Beretta company is tasked with producing copies of the German assault rifle, STG44. The Beretta Model AR45 will have an initial production run of one thousand rifles for the anti partisan forces in Yugoslavia. September 12th 1945 A proclamation is made that anyone living in the territories that were sold by Vichy France before the time of sale will be allowed to leave the country for the destination of their choice and will be given fair market value for any property they may have. September 15th 1945 The United States and Britain reach an agreement with Italy over the state of the German prisoners. Italy will allow American and British inspectors into the camps to search for any high ranking Nazis (which there are none since they have been moved,) if they find any they will be extradited for trial. In exchange, Italy will be allowed to trial any other Nazis and German officials it sees fit within Italy. September 20th 1945 Against the wishes of Britain and America, France demands the return of territories being occupied by Italy. The United States and Britain refuse to cooperate with the French government since the United Nations has still not been officially established to help solve the problem and the French government is in a state of flux between governments and the situation is not at all stable. To Charles DeGaulle it is a matter of honor and the exchange must be done as soon as possible. Mussolini counters that the agreement was to return the purchases areas to the rightful government of France and that the transitional government was not the rightful government. But, he would be more than willing to return the lands once France returns the money paid for the land. September 21st 1945 DeGaulle boldly states that "We will be given our country back or we will take it back." Mussolini calls the bluff, he knows that the French do not have the capability to force anything now. No response is given. September 22nd 1945 In the interest of friendship and international camaraderie, Mussolini declares a plebiscite will be held within the next three years in the disputed territories on whether the populace choose to return to France, remain part of Italy, or in the case of Corsica become independent. Between emigration from the area and Mussolini’s plans to populate the areas with fascist sympathizers, Mussolini is assuring Italian dominance of the regions for years to come. October 1945 Italian industry is switching over to peacetime and civilian industry at a quicker pace. The government is encouraging industry to make Italy self sufficient. A key area of focus is that for cars and other personal forms of personal transportation, the gap between the other western nations and Italy must be closed. A Yugoslav power plant heavily damaged in the war is brought back online. Most of its power is redirected toward Italy to give the Nuclear research center its needed power for the enrichment of uranium. Uranium production is expected to take at least four years before enough can be obtained for the production of a bomb. In the mean time, the air force has been tasked with modifying the P. 108 Heavy Bomber to carry a nuclear payload. Additionally, more funding is given to research in the possibility of a plutonium bomb. November 3rd 1945 The newly formed United Nations encourages its members to place trade embargos on Italy, Spain and Greece for the aid given to the Nazis. Most nations vote to put the embargo in place on all three. Notable exceptions are Portugal, Saudi Arabia and Argentina. A few of the other fascist leaning South American countries also refuse to sign onto the embargo. November 4th 1945 Countering the U.N.’s resolution, Mussolini declares that the world is afraid of the Roman Empire as western Europe’s greatest power and the third largest industrial power in the world. Both claims are highly contested by Britain and France who both attempt to claim those titles. *Note: While it may not be the greatest power in western Europe at this time, Italy’s power is much greater than it was it before. Italy is the only nation in Europe not to be bombed and ravaged by war and its industry enjoyed a steady amount of growth throughout those years. The claim for the third largest industrial power is also highly contentious. It is much more likely that Italy is in either 4th or 5th place. England despite the heavy damaged inflicted during the war still has a very large industrial potential that even with the addition of Yugoslavia and Bulgaria into the Italian Empire cannot match. Italy probably does have more industrial potential than France now and probably is the 4th largest, but of course France will never admit the loss of station. November 20th 1945 The Nuremberg Trials for Nazi war criminals begin. The highest ranking German to be prosecuted is Herman Goring who refused to attempt to flee from Germany. Italy is expected to start its trials in late December or early January and is now relocating those SS men charged to Rome. November 25th 1945 A large black market develops across the French Italian border as most trade is officially banned but Italy is the only industrial nation in Europe not recovering from the war and is able to provide many needed goods to the surrounding areas. November 29th 1945 With no help from the Soviet Union appearing to be forthcoming, Marshall Tito rallies his forces in the mountains to once again begin strikes against the Italians. Contrary to the belief of Italian intelligence, Tito’s forces are seriously depleted in both men and resources, the years offensive had seriously drained the partisans. Tito will need a quick victory to attract the attention he so greatly needs. December 3rd 1945 Protests break out in Greece demanding that the government be less restrictive since the time of crisis is over. The Hellenic Council uses the military to put down the riots. December 21st 1945 General George S. Patton dies of injuries incurred from a traffic accident. December 23rd 1945 Wanting a true aircraft carrier, Mussolini orders a naval design board to begin planning on a fourth Aircraft Carrier. A small team of spies is also dispatched to New York to implant themselves within the local Italian communities and attempt to gather data on the ships under construction at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. December 27th 1945 A Turkish regiment in Yugoslavia is ambushed and exterminated by partisans making it one of the largest single loses for the Empire’s forces. The Comando Supremo orders a halt to the military demobilization in Yugoslavia until the partisan threat is brought under control again. January 3rd 1946 German soldiers and SS members not indicted in either Allied or Italian courts are allowed to leave the P.O.W. camps and move into the German towns established for the civilian refugees. High profile Nazis who are not charged with crimes are still being detained. January 5th 1946 First day of the Rome trials for Nazi war criminals. Two hundred Nazis are on trial for various war crimes, committed on many different fronts. January 15th 1946 With an all Italian crew, U-3530 takes a voyage around the Bay of Naples as navy examines the boat’s performance and abilities. February 1946 Violence intensifies in Yugoslavia as partisans strike out from the mountains attacking Italian outposts and newly repaired or set up infrastructure centers. The first AR45's reach the soldiers in Yugoslavia. The men instantly take a liking to the new weapon. Production is ordered to be gradually increased as the rifle will soon replace all other rifles in service. An Italian version of the MG-42 is also ordered into full production and designed to replace the current machine guns in service. Yugoslav leaders meet with Soviet agents and try to arrange for either Soviet intervention within the conflict or at least Soviet support and supplies for the effort. End of Part 15.
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