Italy’s International Standing 1935 - Challenges To And The Fall Of The Fascisct State, C1935-46 Flashcards
What were Mussolini’s foreign policy aims?
- Achieve ‘great power’ status equal to France and Britain
- Promote prestige abroad/ boost international image
- Gain Fiume and Dodecanese Islands to solve mutilated victory (popular support)
- Establish dominance in the meditterranean
- Expand influence in the Adriatic Sea and the Balkans (Albania especially, already dependent on Italian financial support)
- Conquer territory and gain a strong empire
What was Mussolini’s foreign policy in the 1920s?
Unable to exert influence against Britain and France, who supported the Treaty of Versailles’ divisions. Speeches went between declaring friendship with the allies and then calling them ‘parasites’. Developed a theory that Italy was bing imprisoned by Britain’s and French military bases and Britain’s control of natural resources eg coal
Which countries did Mussolini sign treaties with during the 1920s and why?
Russia, Albania, Poland, Greece, Switzerland etc to gain international prestige. However, mainly concerned commercial matters and Mussolini became known for switching allegiances when it suited him.
When was the Corfu Incident and what triggered it?
August 1923, Italian general and four aids were assassinated in Corfu (Greece) whilst on a League of Nations mission. To establish the location of the border between Greece and Albania.
What did Mussolini demand from Greece?
An official apology, for members of their government to attend the funeral, for the Greek Navy to salute the Italian flag, to arrest and execute those responsible in 5 days, payment of 50 million lira as compensation.
What was the outcome of Mussolini’s demands to Greece?
Ordered they accept within a day, Greek government refused. Mussolini ordered a naval bombardment and the occupation of Corfu. Conference of Ambassadors largely supported Italy, Greece paid the 50 million lira, but Britain demanded the withdrawal as thy didn’t want a threat to their naval power. Showed constraints of Italian foreign policy, but also how international organisations could condone gunboat diplomacy.
When and how did Italy gain Fiume?
1924 Pact of Rome, ceded Fiume to Italy so it was no longer even an ‘independent’ part of Yugoslavia. Gained Mussolini prestige, although Fiume went into economic decline as it was isolated.
When and how did Italy pressurise Yugoslavia?
1926, signed a Treaty of Friendship with Albania although which made it a satellite state. This put military pressure on Yugoslavia’s border.
What was Mussolini’s role in the Locarno treaties and when was this?
1925, agreed German borders and demilitarised Rhineland. Mussolini didn’t initially attend, but then made grand entrance. Boycotted b journalists and wider press showed contempt, although the Italian press heralded it as a success.
When was the Kellogg Brian’s Pact and what was Mussolini’s involvement?
1928, agreed to resolve issues by peaceful means and not war. 9 powers including Italy originally singed, then later 56 also signed. Held little weight, shortly after Mussolini dismissed the agreement in a speech to Italian parliament
What were Mussolini’s relations with Britain and France?
Tried to maintain relations eg stayed in LoN, signed Locarno Treaties 1925 and Kellogg Briand 1928. Agreed with Britain over colonial borders in Africa. Although, not committed to the treaties. Hoped that he would get concessions for Italy by having a relationship with Britain and France
How was Mussolini involved with Germany in the late 1920s?
Offered financial support to right wing groups, hoped they’d form a fascist sympathetic government. Allowed them to train in Italy as military pilots (against the Treaty of Versailles)
Why did Mussolini want a strong Germany?
To counterbalance the power of France and Britain
Why were relations tense when Hitler came to power?
Didn’t want to lose influence to Hitler.
What was the Four Power Conference?
Called by Mussolini as a result of Germany withdrawing from the League of Nations. Between Germany,Italy, France and Britain in 1933. Hoped for resolution to rising tensions, didn’t actually reach an agreement.
When did Mussolini oppose Anschluss of Austria by Germany?
1934, feared Italian power diminishing if Germany gained Austria. Ordered 40,000 troops to the Austrian border following assassination of Chancellor Dolfuss (who had previously sought assistance from Italy). Hitler denied knowledge of Italian involvement.
When was the Stresa Front agreed and why?
1935, Hitler announced rearmament contravening the Treaty of Versailles. Mussolini called for a meeting with France and Britain.
What was the content of the Stresa Front agreement?
Jointly criticised rearmament.
Agreed to cooperate to prevent an individual country from abandoning a previously decided treaty.
Affirmed support for 1925 Locarno Treaties (borders).
Support Austrian independence.
What was the success an limitation of the Stresa Front 1935?
High point in relations with France and Britain. Mussolini hosted, depicted him as a great European statesman.
Although, in reality the powers were divided in unity over how to deal with Germany and France and Britain weren’t prepared to invade.
When was the Stresa Front abandoned?
Britain secretly signed the Anglo-German Naval agreement in June 1935. Mussolini used it as an excuse to abandon devious agreements made.
What were Mussolini’s aims in the Stresa Front?
To pursue imperial expansion in North Africa. Hoped Stresa Front would prevent Germany completing Anschluss with Austria. Mussolini intended to exploit Britain and France’s fears of Germany and hooped to gain concessions rom them when he attempted o expand colonial territory in North Africa. Focus shifted to conquest of Ethiopia (strained relations with Britain).
WHy didrelations with Germany improve in the late 1930s?
Invasion of Abyssinia led to tensions with France and Britain. Germany and Italy both supported Franco in Spanish Civil War
When was the Rome Berlin Axis signed with Germany?
1936
What did Mussolini wilfully misinterpret at the Stresa Front agreements?
That Britain and France would allow Italy to invade Abyssinia.
Why did Mussolini want to invade Abyssinia?
- To avenge the defeat at Adowa from 1896
- Too satisfy nationalist ambitions
- To demonstrate Italy as an imperial power
- Fascist propeganda
- New markets for Italy to sell goods
What and when was the WalWal incident?
Mussolini had established a fort at WalWal in 1930 against Abyssinian’s desires. Emporer appealed for fort to be removed, led to altercation killing 150 Abyssinians and 50 Italians. Emporer appealed to League of Ntions for help.
By October 1935, how many Italian troops were at the Abyssinian border?
220,000
What were the early events of the Abyssinian invasion?
Gained Adowa after 3 days, however slower advance than expected due to need to build roads.
When had Italy gained Abyssinia by and what methods were used?
By May 1936 finally won, use of 600,000 troop an committed war cries such as the use of mustard gas.
What were the successes of the gain of Abyssinia?
- King able to gain title of Emporer of Italian Territories in East Africa
- Gained popularity for Mussolini from enthused nationalists
- Catholics pleased they could spread Catholicism
What problems accompanied the victory?
250,000 Italian troops had to be stationed there in garrisons
Guerril war lasted until 1941
Gained reputation for brutlaity
Budget deficit increased to 16 million lira
How did the Abyssinian invasion impact relations within Europe?
Severed relations with France and Britain: unable to sanction Mussolini however due to. Fear of pushing them closer to Germany. For example, 1935 suggested giving part of Abyssinia to Italy and having another part independent. Rejected by Mussolini and gained public condemnation. Imposed economic sanctions, although these didn’t extend to coal and important military resources.
Why did Mussolini get involved in the Spanish Civil War, 1936?
Supported general Franco, fellow fascist. Didn’t want balance of power in Mediterranean to go in France’s direction (supporting Republicans) and also didn’t want to seem subservient to Hitler.
What resources did Mussolini provide to Franco?
75,000 soldiers
150 tanks
600 planes
(Among others)
when and how was the Spanish Civil War won?
By 193, as Germany and Italy provided support. For exampl the 600 Italian planes helped in bombardement of Barcelona in 1938. France and Britain didn’t offer official support to Republicans. Reps did get support from volunteers and USSR, but this only justified Hitler and Mussolini’s claims they were protecting against communism.
What was the effect on the civil war on European relations?
France and Britain became hostile to Italy. USSR and British relations strained s failed to revise support. Over 40,000 volunteers supported republicans. Italy became more dependent on Hitler. Although, strengthened Germany and Italy’s positions in Europe ad weakened French and British positions.
Wat monetary and military losses did Italy experience from the civil war?
Spent 14 billion lira, lost 4,000 soldiers
