German and Italian Expansion (1933-1940)

When was the invasion of Abyssinia?

1935-36

What was the invasion of Abyssinia?

In December 1934, a dispute about the border between Abyssinia and the Italian Somaliland flared into fighting.In January 1935, Haile Selassie, the emperor of Abyssinia, asked the League to arbitrate.
In July 1935, the League banned arms sales to either side, and in September 1935, it appointed a five-power committee to arbitrate. 1935, the League's committee suggested that Italy should have some land in Abyssinia.
Instead, Italy's 100,000-strong army invaded Abyssinia. The Italian troops used poison gas and attacked Red Cross hospitals.

What were some of Mussolini's fascist Italy ideology?

Increase national pride; Gain imperial power (Mediterranean, Balkans and Africa); Spread fascism; Build an empire; Establish authoritarianism; Militarism.

When did Italy help out in the Spanish Civil War?

1936

Why did Italy intervene in the Spanish Civil War?

Abyssinia success gave him confidence to flex his military greatness;
War was fascist ideology;
Hoped to gain naval base in Balearic islands;
Aspired to establish Mediterranean Roman-empire;
Ideology: Fight liberal democracy and socialism;
Stop communism from spreading;
Wanted to weaken France(who has connection to opposing party).

What were the consequences of the Spanish Civil War?

Economic costs had been high --> Lira was devalued-->More trade with Germany
Italies arms stocks had been consumes by war
Military weakness exposed
No Spanish satellite state
Italy drew closer to Germany

When did Italy invade Albania?

April 1939

Why did Italy invade Albania?

Hitler had broken Munich agreement(1939) and broken terms of the Versailles treaty by invading Czechoslovakia.
Mussolini wanted to prove how great he was as well by invading Albania.
Wanted to dominate Adriatic sea.

What was the pact of steel/Past of friendship? (1939)

Signed because Italy was fearful of Britain and France (having just guaranteed safety for Romania and Greece). Italy was not ready for war for another 3-4 years.
Signed by Italy and Germany in May, it was the declaration of trust and cooperation between both nations. Furthermore, fostered a union of military and economic policies.
Initially intended to involve Japan, but I and G's focus were on B and F, whilst J's was on anti-soviet.

What was the Nazi-soviet pact? (1939)

Hitler approached soviet union for an alliance, despite him loathing communist Russia. It would prevent Russia from forming a pact with Britain and France, furthermore prevent soviet neutrality in a war with Poland.

both pledged to remain nuetral in an attack, Northern and Eastern Europe was split up between the two. Russia would have Eastern Europe as well as Poland being split up between them.

Controversial pack as they didn't like each other very much.

What was the name of the Abyssinian king?

Haile Selassie

When did Italy Leave the League of Nations and why?

1937 March 27, Japan gives notice of its withdrawal from the League of Nations. 1937 December 11 Italy gives notice of withdrawal from the League. After the Abyssinian crisis

What was the Hoare-Laval Pact? and why did it fail?

It was an attempt by both France and Britain to mantain the stressa front against Germany and end the conflict and the tension it has caused. They did this by pacifying Mussolini by giving him most of Abyssinia. This plan was leaked through the french media and caused extreme anger from the French and British public. The two governments were forced to denounce the pact and the sanctions continued.

Who did Italy support in the war?

It went from Britain and France to Germany.

What was the anti-cominterm pact? (1936)

was directed toward the activities of the Communist International. The two signatories promised to "keep each other informed concerning the activities of the Communist International," to "confer upon the necessary measures for defense," and to "carry out such measures in close cooperation." One year later Italy adhered to the Anti-Comintern Pact. This event in effect extended the already-established Rome-Berlin Axis to Tokyo, and signalized the alliance of the three totalitarian powers.

1936 - Rome-Berlin Axis

Prior to 1935, Italy had sided politically with GreatBritain and France. As late as 1934 she was hostile to German expansion in Austria. A change occurred in 1935, caused by Italy engaging in a war to conquer Ethiopia. Unexpectedly, the British at once showed great displeasure. For Italy, the alliance promised support in case of a major war, and an end to her then political isolation. For Germany it meant that her south boundary was protected. Itthereby released German troops for use in other theaters of operation.

Tripartite Pact in 1940

between Germany, Italy, and Japan. "to assist one another with all political, economic, and military means when one of the three Contracting Parties is attacked by a power at present not involved in the European war or in the Sino-Japanese Conflict." This clause was, of course, directed against the United States. Article 4 of the Treaty made the first formal provision for military, naval and economic collaboration.

Stresa Front 1935

A conference in 1935 that was initially to contain german ambitions to unite with Austria. But, Italy made an agreement with France that they would be able to have political influence in Abyssinia, but Italy understood that as military action. Britain was silent, so Italy did not think much about it. Later on, Britain offered Italy Ogaden to compensate for Haile selassies Abynissia. Italy felt like they were being pacified and rejected the plan. Italy invaded Abynissia 1935.

Why did Italy join the war in 1940?

To not join the war would have been embarrassment for the fascist leader;
Did not want to become a lesser tank power by staying neutral;
If Germany won without Italy, Europe would be dominated by Germany that would be hostile towards Italy;
Could bring territorial gain

When did Mussolini become prime minister?

1922

What were the major concepts behind facism?

Nationality
Imperialism
Military superemacy
war
hostility towards both liberalism and Marxism.

What were Mussolinis main foreign pollicie? (1935)

Exapand Italian territory
Gain colonies
dominate Balkans and mediterranean
Revise the Treaty of Versailles.

What was the kellog brand pact 1928?

The Kellogg-Briand Pact (or Pact of Paris, officially General Treaty for Renunciation of War as an Instrument of National Policy) is a 1928 international agreement in which signatory states promised not to use war to resolve "disputes or conflicts of whatever nature or of whatever origin they may be,

Mussolini's foreign policies?

Increase national pride
Consolidate domestic support
wanted to test the limits of the League of Nations

4 power pact?

1933 (Initiated by Mussolini, but never materializes into a concrete agreement). The purpose is for the smaller states. LON not interested, so a forum created to agree on these smaller African nations. Purpose is to exclude small states influence while upholding great power diplomacy (arguing that Italy is such a state). Germany, Italy, France and

Wal Wal crisis

1934; border dispute between Abyssinia and Italian troops. Italian soldiers killed in the attempts of removing these troops by Abyssinian troops. Mussolini used this as an excuse to invade Abyssinia. Diplomatic disputes followed; Hailie Selassie went to the LON and Mussolini asked for compensation.

Why did Italy leave the LON in 1937?

As Germany had left the League of Nations in 1933, so Mussolini left the League in 1937 after the League had imposed economic sanctions on Italy for the invasion of Abyssinia.

Why did Italy want Abyssinia?

Become an empire
show superiority
show dominance to Germany
unify Italian pop over something
Resources for self-sufficiency
Did not think there would be any consequences.

Consequences of Abyssinian invasion?

Defeated good relations between Britain and France.
Italians were proud
Expanded Italian empire
Showed military might.
Unpopular with LON
Increased nationalism
Exposed weaknesses of LON.

International response to Italian invasion of Abyssinia (1935 -36)?

France: gave impression that they didn't mind
Britain: Appeasement; didn't want to upset Mussolini.

Munich Agreement?

UK and France signed the Munich Pact with Nazi leader Adolf Hitler. The agreement averted the outbreak of war but gave Czechoslovakia away to German conquest.

Consolidation of Mussolini's power?

March on Rome 1922
Nationalists joined fascist party 1923
Acerbo law (biggest party gets 2/3 seats)
Elections: fascists gain most seats
political violence: fascist murder of opposition
Il Duce (censorship, ban trade unions & opposition)
Secret police (OVRA)

Factors influencing Mussolini's foreign policies?

Increase national pride (dissapointment from TOV)
Empire (through Balkans and mediterranean)
consolidate domestic support
spread fascism
Treaty of versailles