Answer:Before the war officially began Italy was being a nuisance in international affairs. Invading Ethiopia, occupying Albania , threatening Austria and Greece and sending troops and weapons and vehicles to support Franco in the Spanish civil war. Mussolini and the fascist believed they were held back from greatness by Britain and France who had large overseas empires. There was jealousy on there part and a little envy. Italy did not enter the war until after Germany invaded France and the French were all but defeated. With France out of the way and Britain driven off the continent Italy saw an opening to expand more. Prior to the First World War Italy had a policy of allying itself with strong countries that supported their interest. They switched sides to the allies in WW1 because they realized they wanted territory that was controlled by the Austrians.
