Illusory Alliance

This book offers the Czech reader a unique Italian perspective on Italy's role in the First World War, the formation of the Czechoslovak Legion in Italy, and the creation of an independent Czechoslovakia. It also describes in detail Italy's path into the conflict, its complicated relationships with its allies and adversaries, as well as with the influential Holy See. For the Italians, the future of Austria-Hungary and the nations living within it was a crucial question. Initially, they were opposed to its dissolution, but eventually they accepted its demise and fully supported the claims of the Czechs and Slovaks to their own state. They also played a fundamental role in the formation, training, and arming of Czechoslovak units – the legion and the home guard – on their territory. These units subsequently played an important role in defending the borders and interests of the new republic. However, Italy took a negative stance towards the birth of Yugoslavia, which it saw as a new adversary in the Adriatic region, whereas it viewed Czechoslovakia as a close partner. Ultimately, and with strong influence from France, this led to the initially promising Czechoslovak-Italian alliance turning into an unfulfilled illusion.