Italy stepping away from B & F, and into AH's arms <3 (1936-1938)

Question 1

Why did the deterioration in I-F relations occur?

Answer 1

Each country began supporting the opposing sides in the SCW in July 1936.

Question 2

Who was the French PM & what did he think of BM?

Answer 2

Blum. He loathed BM & BM reciprocated these feelings.

Question 3

What did Blum want with Italy?

Answer 3

wanted to revive the anti- German I-F understandings of 1935.

Question 4

BM warned Blum he’d move closer to AH unless France…

Answer 4

1) ceased all aid to the SRG.

2) accepted a Nationalist victory.

Question 5

What did BM offer Blum in return?

Answer 5

his guarantees that a Nationalist Spain would maintain good relations with France.

Question 6

How did Blum react to BM’s offer?

Answer 6

He refused it.

Question 7

What diminished the chances of an understanding between F & I?

Answer 7

When BM sent troops to Spain.

Question 8

What was the most important period of the SCW in terms of the alignment of I w/ NG?

Answer 8

July 1937 to March 1938.

Question 9

When does Neville Chamberlain become B PM?

Answer 9

May 1937

Question 10

What does NC do right from the start of his premiership?

Answer 10

Undertook a major effort to…

1) Restore I-B relations
2) Prevent the Axis from developing into an anti-W alliance.

Question 11

When do BM & NC begin secret talks?

Answer 11

July 1937

Question 12

What were the terms of the first draft of an agreement between B & I?

Answer 12

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.

Question 13

How did BM react to the first draft of the proposed agreement between I and B?

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

What event upsets the first draft of the agreement?

Answer 14

The “Pirate Submarine” Campaign of 31st Aug ‘37 (Italian forces sink B submarine).

Question 15

What happens mid- Oct 1937?

Answer 15

NC persuades BM to renew the secret contact but plans are scuppered by FSec, Anthony Eden, who decides these negotiations are a mistake.

Question 16

When do the secret contacts resume between NC & BM after a third time?

Answer 16

Mid- Feb 1938. Eden resigns in protest. However 6M have been lost.

Question 17

When does AH Austria?

Answer 17

March 1938

Question 18

Why was BM unable to prevent AH annexing Austria?

Answer 18

• his military commitments in Spain

- and his consequent diplomatic isolation

Question 19

What event transformed the European situation greatly in AH’s favour?

Answer 19

The annexation of Austria and the creation of a common G-I border.

Question 20

When are the Easter Accords (the final draft of agreements between B & I) signed?

Answer 20

16th April 1938

Question 21

What were the terms of the Easter Accords?

Answer 21

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.

Question 22

How did BM react to the Easter Accords?

Answer 22

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.

Question 23

When does BM order invasion of Albania?

Answer 23

April 1938- a clear VIOLATION of the status quo clause of the EA.

Question 24

When does BM order Ciano to sign Pact of Steel?

Answer 24

May 1938

Question 25

When did BM first visit Germany?

Answer 25

September 1937

Question 26

What impact did BM’s visit to NG have on him?

Answer 26

Dazzled w/ spectacle of the G might & tempted by AH’s offer of a partnership to rule Europe.