A Machiavellian ally? Italy in the Entente, 1914-1918

Italy was often considered a recalcitrant ally by the Entente powers during the First World War. This idea was based, in part, on deep-rooted stereotypes that depicted the Italians as a faint-hearted and opportunist people; however, it was also influenced by serious disagreements between Italy and its new allies during the war, which continued during the peace conference. This chapter examines how anti-Italian stereotypes and strategic disagreements impacted on Italy’s participation in the First World War, but also how Italy’s performance was perceived by the other Entente powers.