Foreign policy aims 1935-39

Question 1

What was Italy’s main foreign policy aim?

Answer 1

to be respected and feared as a great power

Question 2

why was the invasion of Abyssinia partly successful?

Answer 2

showed Europe that Italy was achieving its colonial ambition in North Africa

Question 3

what evidence is there to show that Britain was treating Italy with some Great Power status?

Answer 3

Stresa Front 1935- France, GB and Italy made a coalition to oppose Hitler’s intention of rearmament, the Hoare-Laval Pact 1935 and involvement at the Munich Conference 1938

Question 4

why was Britain treating Italy with Great Power status?

Answer 4

they needed Italy as a balancing power to stop German aggression

Question 5

Evidence that Mussolini’s foreign policy aim of increasing dominance of the Balkans and Med was unsuccessful.

Answer 5

It was too ambitious, despite taking over Albania 1939, Italy was never going to dominate the Mediterranean or have total economic and political power over Balkans.

Question 6

evidence that M did not totally achieve his aim of Italy becoming a Great Power Status.

Answer 6

Italy always seen as inferior partner by Germany- Anschluss proved that Hitler was not sensitive to M demands

Question 7

why was the signing of the Pact of Steel 1939 significant

Answer 7

Italy was potentially committed to a war she did not have the military strength to fight

Question 8

what event was seen as unpopular by Italians

Answer 8

Spanish Civil War