Italy in 1922 (FP)

Question 1

What position did Italy hold in Europe?

Answer 1

A secure one but unable to exert a great deal of influence, either militarily or diplomatically :(

Question 2

How had the potential threat to her N frontiers been removed?

Answer 2

1) By the friendship w/ France
2) the dismemberment of the Austro-Hungarian Empire
3) she had no powerful enemies

Question 3

Who were the dominant powers of Europe?

Answer 3

Britain and France

Question 4

Why were they the dominant powers of Europe?

Answer 4

• they guaranteed the ToV settlement
• their colonies dominated Africa
• their fleets controlled the Med

Question 5

Where was France consolidating her economic and political power?

Answer 5

E. & C. Europe, including the Balkans.

Question 6

Why was it hard to change the European status quo?

Answer 6

• required the consent of Britain & France (the very countries that benefited from the current status quo)
• in the absence of a strong Germany to counterbalance their influence, smaller powers had few means of extracting concessions.

Question 7

What did this power balance mean for Italy (no other powers contradicting B&F)?

Answer 7

Would have to move carefully

Question 8

what happened when Italy first tested Britain and France?

Answer 8

Corfu Crisis 1923 - Britain demanded Italy backed down.