impact of the Second World War, 1940-43 Flashcards
LO: entry into war in 1940, the course of the war for Italy, war economy and military weaknesses, political tensions 1943, Mussolini deposed
how did Hitler’s progress at war influence Mussolini to join it?
Hitler launched a blitzkrieg against France on 10 May 1940 and made quick progress, conquering Netherlands, Belgium surrendered, and BEF evacuated
when did Italy declare war against France and Britain?
10 june 1940
what were the reasons for entry?
Italy would have no real voice in Hitler-dominated Europe
war aligned with fascist/political goals
Mussolini was a victim of his own propaganda and had to maintain the image of a man of action
after 20 May he was advised that France waas on verge of defeat and wanted to gain extra territory in Balkans, Africa, and Mediterranean but for that to happen he needed to join the war
to what extent was there domestic support, and support from Hitler for the war?
it was not widely welcomed despite fascist propaganda
at this stage Hitler was unsupportive of Italy joining the war, recognising M was joining it just to get territory at the expense of G taking all the initial risk
what happened when France declared an armistice on 21 June 1940?
Italy launched an offensive along the Alpine front bu tmade little progress due to French resistance
why did Mussolini gain little territory from France?
Hitler did not invite him to the signing of the armistice on 22 June and believed Italy made no real contribution to France’s defeat
what mistake did Mussolini make in North Africa?
he ignored his generals’ advice and ordered invasion of British Somaliland, Kenya, Sudan, and Egypt
what was the outcome of the Italian invasion of Egypt?
British forces launched a devastating counter-attack, capturing Abyssinia by April 1941
how did Germany respond to Italy’s failures in North Africa?
Hitler sent General Rommel and the Africa Korps to Libya to prevent a complete Italian collapse
what happened at the Second Battle of El Alamein in October 1942 ?
British troops broke Axis defenses, leading to their defeat
when did Axis forces surrender in North Africa?
12 May 1943, paving the way for the Allied invasion of Sicily
how did Italy fail to act decisively in the Mediterranean?
they did not seize Gibraltar or neutralise Malta, which allowed Britain to blockade southern Italy
how did Mussolini react to Hitler’s offer of Tunisia in 1940?
he refused, fearing a prolonged campaign against the French colonial authorities
when was the Greco-Italian War?
Oct. 1940- April 1941
why did Mussolini invade Greece?
to gain territory and restore Italian prestige after failures in France
how did Greece respond to Mussolini’s ultimatum?
Greek PM Ioannis Metaxas rejected it
what happened when Italy invaded Greece on 28 Oct 1940?
the Italian army was too small and poorly led, leading to a Greek counterattack that pushed Italy back into Albania
who eventually conquered Greece?
Germany, in April 1941, after Italy’s failure
what happened at the Battle of Cape Matapan and when was it?
March 1941
The British navy sank three Italian cruisers and two destroyers, proving their dominance in the Mediterranean
how did Germany take control of Greece and Yugoslavia?
on 6 April 1941, Hitler ordered an invasion, and both countries surrendered by May
how did this affect Italy’s status in the Axis alliance?
it showed Italy’s weakness and confirmed its junior status to Germany
when was the allied invasion of Sicily?
june 1943
what was the goal of Operation Husky?
to collapse Mussolini’s regime, secure the Mediterranean, and force Italy out of the war
how many troops were involved in the invasion of Sicily?
150,000 troops, 3,000 ships, and 4,000 aircraft
