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
