HFDYA that Mussolini’s foreign policy in the years 1933-41 was a complete failure?

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

• Mussolini failed to establish a clear foreign policy which decreased efficiency
• Achieve territorial Gains, International Relations and Spread Fascism

Question 2

Territorial Gain

Answer 2

• Invasion of Abyssinia 1935, Budget deficit increased from 2.5 billion lire to 16 billion
• Annexation of Albania in 1939, developed links with Germany
• France invasion in 1940, joined when success was guaranteed and got little land
• Invasion of North Africa, Britain was far stronger
• Invasion of Greece 1940, complete disaster as it was expected to take 2 weeks and took 6 months and the support of the Nazis in 1941

Question 3

International Relations

Answer 3

• The Stresa Front 1936, GB, FR, GR and Italy all meant to agree Germany was being too aggressive with its foreign policy
• Anschluss 1936, Mussolini place 40,000 troops on the border of Austria to prevent the annexing of Austria
• Sudetenland Crisis 1938, Hitler’s advances in Czechoslovakia led to Mussolini calling for the Munich conference and then the signing of the Pact of Steel 1938

Question 4

Spread Fascism

Answer 4

• Spanish civil war 1936, supported Franco and the Nationalist by sending 200 bombers, 400 fighter planes, 1,400 pilots, 75,000 soldiers and 150 tanks
• Pact of Steel with Nazis to support them in WW2 1938

Question 5

Conclusion

Answer 5

• Gained territory was a complete failure as all were ultimately negative
• Relations were a success as Mussolini was seen as a statesman
• Spread Fascism was a failure as WW1 failed and Spanish were the only sort of success, due to Nazis