The Stresa Front (1935) Flashcards
What was it triggered by?
(ALL March 1935)
- NG revealing the existence of the Luftwaffe, in breach of ToV.
- NG increasing her army to 500k (way MORE than the 96k permitted by ToV).
- NG introducing military conscription.
What did BM agree to in face of this challenge?
To meet B & F in Stresa to organise a response to the apparent German threat.
What was the SF?
Was an agreement between B, F & I that they would collaborate to prevent any further breaches in the treaties that might threaten peace.
What were the aims of the SF?
1) To reaffirm the Locarno treaties
2) To declare that the independence of Austria would continue to “inspire their common policy”.
3) To resist any attempt by the Germans to revise the ToV.
ERGO: NEUTRALISING THE GERMAN THREAT!!
Although BM certainly feared NG, he realised that…
…B&F had just as much, if not more reason to fear Hitler. (a rearmed & hostile Germany reminded the W. allies of WW1’s horrors).
What did the SF indicate to him?
that the W allies were anxious to avoid allying with other states to seek the revision of ToV.
What did BM believe that B&F’s wish to avoid a German-Italian rapprochement would make them do?
They might be more sympathetic towards Italian ambitions and more tolerant towards Italian adventures overseas.
He saw this as an ideal chance to expand his colonial empire at minimal risk. Next target: Abyssinia
What did the SF provide BM with?
Added protection against an Anschluss.
Define rapprochement
(especially in international affairs) an establishment or resumption of harmonious relations.
What did BM think that him signing the SF would mean?
That B & F would not interfere in the Abyssinian Crisis.
What did BM cleverly make sure not to do?
To discuss his expansionist plans within the confines of the conference itself, as he knew there was a risk of the W dems issuing a veto over it.
He also couldn’t risk the SF being sidetracked from its main aims.
What various matters did BM lay out to be discussed?
1) the necessity of avoiding Anschluss was at the core of these talks
2) he wanted to have a guarantee which would allow the Italian occupation of Abyssinia.
Why did BM want to avoid Anschluss?`
Told the B&F reps that he did not want Germany at the Brenner Pass (between I&A) and hoped that A would remain a buffer state.
Why did BM want a guarantee which would allow the Italian occupation of Abyssinia?
-wanted to vindicate the shame of the 1896’s Adowa defeat, which was part of his electoral platform.
Although BM didn’t speak explicitly of the Abyssinian invasion what did he make?
Some weighty allusions, offering in exchange for those N. African lands his support against NG.
No one objected/ warned him not to BUT he didn’t get the guarantee he wanted.
