Using hitherto unavailable material from the Italian foreign ministry, Francos headquarters, and Mussolinis secretariat, John F. Coverdale traces the development of Italo-Spanish relations from the beginning of the Fascist regime. His analysis reveals that traditional foreign policy outweighed ideological and internal political considerations in Mussolinis decision making. John F. Coverdale finds that while Italys support was essential to Francos victory, Rome exercised very little influence on his decisions. The author concludes that participation in the Spanish Civil War was less important than is generally believed in determining Italys entrance into World War II on Hitlers side, and that it did not significantly weaken her armed forces.