Italy stepping away from B & F, and into AH's arms <3 (1936-1938) Flashcards
Why did the deterioration in I-F relations occur?
Each country began supporting the opposing sides in the SCW in July 1936.
Who was the French PM & what did he think of BM?
Blum. He loathed BM & BM reciprocated these feelings.
What did Blum want with Italy?
wanted to revive the anti- German I-F understandings of 1935.
BM warned Blum he’d move closer to AH unless France…
1) ceased all aid to the SRG.
2) accepted a Nationalist victory.
What did BM offer Blum in return?
his guarantees that a Nationalist Spain would maintain good relations with France.
How did Blum react to BM’s offer?
He refused it.
What diminished the chances of an understanding between F & I?
When BM sent troops to Spain.
What was the most important period of the SCW in terms of the alignment of I w/ NG?
July 1937 to March 1938.
When does Neville Chamberlain become B PM?
May 1937
What does NC do right from the start of his premiership?
Undertook a major effort to…
1) Restore I-B relations
2) Prevent the Axis from developing into an anti-W alliance.
When do BM & NC begin secret talks?
July 1937
What were the terms of the first draft of an agreement between B & I?
1) BM would withdraw his forces from Spain.
2) NC would ensure formal B recognition of the AOI.
3) B would loan BM money for development of AOI.
How did BM react to the first draft of the proposed agreement between I and B?
Agreed. But his troops must first win a victory in Spain to avenge Guadalajara- NC agreed.
BM also wishes to visit G before announcing the agreements.
What event upsets the first draft of the agreement?
The “Pirate Submarine” Campaign of 31st Aug ‘37 (Italian forces sink B submarine).
What happens mid- Oct 1937?
NC persuades BM to renew the secret contact but plans are scuppered by FSec, Anthony Eden, who decides these negotiations are a mistake.
When do the secret contacts resume between NC & BM after a third time?
Mid- Feb 1938. Eden resigns in protest. However 6M have been lost.
When does AH Austria?
March 1938
Why was BM unable to prevent AH annexing Austria?
- his military commitments in Spain
- and his consequent diplomatic isolation
What event transformed the European situation greatly in AH’s favour?
The annexation of Austria and the creation of a common G-I border.
When are the Easter Accords (the final draft of agreements between B & I) signed?
16th April 1938
What were the terms of the Easter Accords?
1) B would recognise AOI.
2) BM would only withdraw from Spain after a nationalist victory.
3) Both parties would respect the status quo in the Med & Red Seas.
How did BM react to the Easter Accords?
1) Anschluss & NC’s willingness to accept Italian presence in Spain until total victory changed the value of EA in BM’s mind.
2) Rather than representing a step away from Axis, the EA involved only a tactical move on BM’s part.
3) G’s strength & B’s weakness had both become clear to him.
When does BM order invasion of Albania?
April 1938- a clear VIOLATION of the status quo clause of the EA.
When does BM order Ciano to sign Pact of Steel?
May 1938
When did BM first visit Germany?
September 1937
What impact did BM’s visit to NG have on him?
Dazzled w/ spectacle of the G might & tempted by AH’s offer of a partnership to rule Europe.
