Mussolini and The Czech Crisis Flashcards
What year was the Czech crisis?
1938
Did Mussolini ‘lose face’ or ‘regain status’ at the Czech crisis
Short term- could argue he regained status however all European powers acquiesced to his demands at Munich.
Long term- Hitler would betray Mussolini and invade Czechoslovakia less than a year later, so he definitely ‘lost face’
How many months was it between Munich and Hitler invasion of Czechoslovakia?
5 months
What was Mussolini’s reaction was chamberlain asked him to arrange a conference?
Mussolini was taken aback- he suggested that chamberlain must be suffering from a ‘menopausal disorder’
Who attended to discuss the Czech issue?
Hitler, Chamberlain, Daladier (french pm), Mussolini and Count Ciano
Would you say the Czech crisis pushed Mussolini towards the axis powers or the allies?
It would have made Mussolini even more sceptical of Hitler. However, even though he gained short term popularity in being hailed a ‘peacemaker’ it is unlikely he would be able to switch sides. The nazis were stronger than they had ever been and Mussolini would’ve felt obliged to stay with a domineering Hitler.
How did the allies handle the Munich conference?
A massive underestimation of the unpredictability and power of Hitler. It wasn’t surprising that he went back on his word 5 months later.
What was the official name of the conference where the Czech issue was discussed?
The Munich Conference
Whcih part of Czechoslovakia was Hitler particularly keen to annex?
The Sudetenland
Where had Hitler just marched into before he planned to occupy Czechoslovakia?
Austria (via Anschluss)
Does Mussolini’s involvement align with Lambs theory that he was a ‘lost ally of the democracies’?
Arguably yes- he attempted to work for peace in Europe, fulfilling the requests of the allies.
