Mussolini's Greek Island: Fascism and the Italian Occupation of Syros in World War II (International Library of War Studies)

A powerful and unique study of the realities and long-term impact of occupation, Mussolini’s Greek Island reveals the Italian dictator’s imperial vision, the mechanisms of Italian occupation and its tragic consequences. The small island of Syros is a vital entry-point illuminating Italian imperialism—its ethos, fascist connection, pretension and administrative achievements, marred by famine. Here Lecoeur examines the devastating effects of war and occupation on the local community—starvation, corruption and survival—and, drawing on local archives and interviews with survivors, offers new insight into this crucial but little known episode. Enriching our understanding of Mussolini’s hegemonic visions and the mechanisms of occupation, a key issue of our times, this ground-breaking book will appeal to scholars of fascism, World War II and military occupation in general. A powerful and unique study of the realities and long-term impact of occupation, "Mussolini's Greek Island" reveals the Italian dictator's imperial vision, the mechanisms of Italian occupation and its tragic consequences. The small island of Syros is a vital entry-point illuminating Italian imperialism - its ethos, fascist connection, pretension and administrative achievements, marred by famine. Here Lecoeur examines the devastating effects of war and occupation on the local community - starvation, corruption and survival - and, drawing on local archives and interviews with survivors, offers new insight into this crucial but little known episode. Enriching our understanding of Mussolini's hegemonic visions and the mechanisms of occupation, a key issue of our times, this path-breaking book will appeal to scholars of fascism, World War II and military occupation in general. Contents 6 List of illustrations 7 Abbreviations 8 Acknowledgements 10 Introduction 14 1. Syros and the Greek State 21 2. Political Objectives and Administrative Policy 1941-2 38 3. The Economic Impact of the Distacco 61 4. The Famine 80 5. Public Assistance and Crisis Management 112 6. Propaganda and the Control of Information 135 7. The Occupiers: Soldiers' Lives 151 8. The Social Impact of Occupation 173 Epilogue 197 Notes 212 Bibliography 254 Index 270