Mussolini foreign policy before 1935 Flashcards
What was one of the key aspects of the cult of ill Duce ?
The idea of Mussolini as the supreme nationalist who was was standing up for Italy and claiming its rightful place as one of the worlds powers.
But, behind the rhetoric, was the crucial problem of Italys weak military position and so Mussolinis grand claims were often sofened by what was realistically possible.
What was Mussolinis key fp aim ?
To assert Italys position as a world power
In Mussolinis own words , ‘to make Italy great, respected and feared’
Why does musoolini inavade cofu ?
Relations had been sour since 1912, when italy had claimed to dodecanese islands, leading to long international discussions about the territory
Invasion was triggered when an Italian general (Enrico Tellini ) heading a commission to resolve a border dispute between Albania and Greece was murdered in Greek territory along with 4 other officers of his staff. In response, Benito Mussolini issued an ultimatum to Greece and, when it was not accepted in whole, dispatched forces to bombard and occupy Corfu.
What was Ms ultimatium to Greece ?
Demands a full apology, together with 50 million lire in compensation or Italy would invade Corfu
When does Italy invade Corfu ?
31 August 1923 Italy bombarded Corfu without warning and occupied the island
In what way was Corfu a success ?
Mussolinis actions were celebrated by Italian nationalists and many within elite elements of Italian politics, including head of the navy.
Italy does receive the 50 mil lire they demanded from Greece
Domesticallly m has shown he was a dynamic ruler willing to engage in decisive action to stand up for Italy’s national pride. This was a marked contrast with perceived weakness of the previous liberal govs and helped cement his power in Italy.
What do the LON do in response to Mussolinis invasion of Greece ?
Demand that Mussolini end the occupation of corfu. britan with strong meddeteranisn fleet backs this descision
head of the navy informs M that italys navy would berley last 48 h if Britan decided to act
M had little choice but to accept LOn descision - 27 sep Italy leaves Corfu
Which Italian sponsered cheiftan managed to take power in Albania on Yugoslavias southern border in 1924 ?
Ahmed Zog
What did Yugoslavia recognise in jan 1924 ?
The Italian speaking city of Fiume
V popular given historical significance -
What did italy have to recognise in turn for recognition of Fiume ?
Yogoslavian rule at Susak, another disputed area.
As with Corfu there were no real material gains
By 1926 what was the position of Albania in relation to Italy ?
Albania was little more than an Italian Satillite state.
The facist gov supplied Zog with money, encouraged Italian companies to invest in Albania and employed Italian officers as advisers to the Italian army
How did Mussolini undermine Yugoslavia ?
Funding ethic minorities such as the croats who wanted a break away from Yugoslavia
In 1934 Croation terroists, financed by Italian facists and provided with a training base in Italy , assasinted the yugoslavian king
What were the Locarno Treaties ?
(Dec. 1, 1925), series of agreements whereby Germany, France, Belgium, Great Britain, and Italy mutually guaranteed peace in western Europe.
Saw germany take its place in the LON and accept pre ww1 borders
M makes a grand entrance on boad but only attends one conference and has little to say
What pact did Italy sign in 1928 ?
Kelliog Braind Pact along w 15 other nations- outlaws war
How long did the pacification of Libya last ?
The war lasted from 1923 until 1932. It was an attempt started by the liberals to end the Libyan invasion against italian colonial rule.
