Pact of Steel

Question 1

Why did Mussolini invade Albania in April 1939?

Answer 1

Economic motive ; Zog had been encouraging investment from other countries like Japan in order to become less dependent on Italy
Ciano had proposed Albania as compensation for letting Hitler take Austria ; flaunt the power of fascism and display Mussolini’s dynamism and Albania could assist the economy

Question 2

Was invasion good?

Answer 2

Showed weakness - many of the troops were unorganised and using weapons in which they had never trained ; poor coordination between army, navy and Air Force

Question 3

What did the invasion do?

Answer 3

Confirmed aggressive nature of fascism and pushed them away from Britain and France ; little impact on economy etc

Question 4

Pact of steel?

Answer 4

May 1939 - growing strength of relationship : Mussolini understood that he warranted the full support of Germany due to interest in the Mediterranean clashing with Britain and France

Question 5

Drafting of the pact?

Answer 5

Left to the Germans - cooperation and political consultation and ARTICLE 3 COMMITTED ITALY’S FULL SUPPORT IF GERMANY WENT TO WAR ; NOT A DEFENSIVE ALLIANCE (all military forces, land, sea and air)

Question 6

How were Italy betrayed?

Answer 6

Ciano and Ribbentrop confirmed not going to war by 1943 but in August of that year he told Ciano they were planning to attack Poland ; he was horrified and now trapped in a dangerous situation

Question 7

When was Pact of Steel signed?

Answer 7

22nd May 1939