Italian Expansion and German Aggression (1870-1940)

A series of flashcards covering key concepts, terms, and events related to Italian and German expansion in the early to mid-20th century, focused particularly on the growth of fascism, the impact of major treaties, and international responses to aggression.

Fascism

A political ideology that promotes nationalism, a strong leader or dictator, one-party government, and often emphasizes militarism and expansionism.

Abyssinia

An ancient kingdom in northeastern Africa, modern-day Ethiopia, that was invaded by Italy in 1935, leading to international condemnation and the failure of the League of Nations.

Appeasement

A diplomatic policy used by Britain and France in the 1930s to make concessions to aggressive powers (notably Hitler's Germany) in order to avoid conflict.

Anschluss

The annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany in March 1938, which was met with minimal opposition from Britain and France.

The Stresa Front

An agreement between Italy, Britain, and France in 1935 to counteract German aggression, particularly regarding the remilitarization of the Rhineland.

Munich Agreement

A settlement reached in September 1938 allowing Nazi Germany to annex the Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia, made without Czechoslovak consent, under the pretext of self-determination.

The Treaty of Versailles

The peace treaty that ended World War I, imposing heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany, leading to economic hardship and resentment among Germans.

Lebensraum

A German term meaning 'living space,' which referred to Hitler's expansionist policy aimed at acquiring territory for German settlers.

The Hoare-Laval Pact

A secret proposal by British and French officials in December 1935 to give Italy control over most of Abyssinia in exchange for peace, which was ultimately leaked and caused public outrage.

Pact of Steel

A military and political alliance between Germany and Italy, signed in May 1939, solidifying their cooperation in preparation for World War II.

Suez Canal

A key shipping route in Egypt, which Mussolini aimed to control to enhance Italy's strategic position in the Mediterranean.

Blackshirts

The paramilitary wing of the Fascist Party in Italy, instrumental in Mussolini's rise to power and suppression of opposition.

The League of Nations

An international organization formed after World War I aimed at promoting peace and cooperation, which ultimately failed to prevent aggression from fascist powers.

Rhineland

A demilitarized zone as per the Treaty of Versailles, which Hitler remilitarized in March 1936, facing no military opposition from Britain or France.

Totalitarian State

A political system where the state holds total authority over society and seeks to control all aspects of public and private life.

The March on Rome

A key event in October 1922 that led to Mussolini's rise to power, where Fascist supporters marched to demand that the government appoint Mussolini as Prime Minister.

Czech crisis

Refers to the events in 1938 surrounding Hitler's demands for the Sudetenland, leading up to the Munich Agreement and the subsequent dismemberment of Czechoslovakia.

Blackshirt Terror

Refers to the violence and intimidation employed by the Fascist Party's paramilitary groups against political opponents in Italy.

Operation Barbarossa

The code name for Nazi Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941, reflecting Hitler's aggressive expansionist aims.

The Spanish Civil War

A conflict from 1936 to 1939, in which Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany supported the Nationalist forces led by Franco against the democratically elected Republicans.

The Pact of Non-Aggression with Poland

An agreement signed by Germany and Poland in 1934, aiming to ensure peace between the two nations, which Hitler later violated.

The Munich Crisis of 1938

A major event where Britain and France allowed Nazi Germany to annex the Sudetenland in hopes of avoiding war, which ultimately failed.

Italian East Africa

The colonial region established by Italy, including Eritrea, Somaliland, and later Abyssinia after the 1936 invasion, intended as a showcase of Fascist expansion.

Fascist Ideology

A belief system that emphasizes authoritarian leadership, national pride, military strength, and expansionism as central to the identity and power of the state.

Economic Autarky

The policy of self-sufficiency in an economy, aimed at reducing dependency on foreign imports, which Mussolini sought to achieve in Italy.