Expansionism and conflicts

when was the Spanish civil war?

1936-39

what was the cause of the Spanish civil war?

right-wing nationalists led by General Franco rebelled against the Republican, left-wing govt (the Popular front)

why did Italy and Germany get involved in the Spanish civil war? (3 reasons)

1. ideologically, nationalist side pledged to resist communism, a core aim of fascism

2. used as a ‘testing ground’ for new weapons, equipment + strategy e.g.: The Luftwaffe

3. provided opportunity to forge alliances; Hitler hoped to lure Italy away from the Stresa front and a victorious Franco would ensure Spain as an ally

how much did Germany + Italy contribute to the Spanish war an effect of this?

Germany provided +200 aircraft + 12,000 soldiers. Heavy bombing had devastating effects - the condor legion destroyed the town of Guernica on 26th April 1937, killing over 200-300 civilians

Britain set up the Non-Intervention committee (NIC)- when + effects?

Sept 1936 - 24 countries joined, including Italy + Germany who then directly + openly contradicted it

what were US, France and Britain’s response + effect?

stayed loyal to the NIC and even forbade civilians fighting on their own initiative, though thousands ignored this. Pushed the Republicans to turn to the USSR for help, but Stalin didn’t commit himself as fully and it was much harder transporting supplies

who won the Spanish civil war?

The nationalists

when did Italy invade Albania + why?

1939 - the 2 defence treaties of Tirana were signed in 1924 + 26, allowing Italy’s influence to steadily increase. However in 1934 Albania’s King Zog I refused to renew Tirana and signed trade agreements with Yugoslavia + Greece. When Germany invaded Czechoslovakia Mussolini felt obliged to invade

when did Mussolini send an ultimatum to Zog + what did it demand?

25th March, demanding Italy to be allowed to annex Albania

what was Albania’s response to the ultimatum?

displayed resistance via radio on 6th April, but the next day Italy invaded with 100,000 men + 600 planes. 2 days later Zog fled and Albanian govt offered the throne to Victor Emmanuel of Italy - unified them

what was the international reaction to Italy’s invasion of Albania?

distracted by Hitler’s expansion, and although nothing was done it prompted Britain + France to extend the guarantee to Poland to Greece + Romania to defend their independence on the13th April