Mussolini goes to war; Italian expansionism + International Response

Who was the king of Italy at the time of Mussolini’s power?

Vittorio Emmanuele II

What island did Mussolini occupy in 1923?

Corfu, due to Italian officials being shot in Greece

Why did Italy intervene in the Spanish civil war?

Hope of establishing a friendly or puppet regime in Spain, supported the fascists + good opportunity to test the army

What was the informal alliance between Britain France and Italy?

The Stresa Front, vaguely aimed at containing Germany. Signed in 1934, fell apart quickly.

What country did Italy invade in 1935?

Abyssinia

What plan did France and the UK consider putting forward to stop the war in Abyssinia?

The Hoare-Laval Pact, which would’ve given Italy some territory from Ethiopia as well as the Allies, but given Ethiopia access to the sea anyway. This plan enraged the public, and Mussolini rejected it anyway.

What was the widely held international position on Abyssinia?

That Abyssinia should remain independent, but the League proved incompetent at enforcing this. This more or less market the end of the League as a serious organization, as it was proven to be toothless.

What were the main results of the war in Abyssinia for Italy?

• isolated from markets

• Closer economic ties with central and southeastern Europe, particularly Germany

• Refused to work more with the West

• Rome-Berlin Axis 1936

• Left the LoN 1937

What was Italy’s role in the alliance with Germany?

Junior partner, not important, dictated by Germany

What did Italy do during the first German attempt at Anschluss?

mobilise the army to the border and discourage anschluss

What three alliances with Germany did Italy enter and when?

1. Rome-Berlin Axis 1936

2. Anti-Comintern Pact 1937

3. Pact of Steel 1939

What role did Mussolini play in the Munich conference?

Put forward a plan (actually authored by Hitler) and was able to act as a great statesman and protector of peace

What country did Italy invade in 1939?

Albania, which was already in effect an Italian puppet

What two countries did Italy invade during early WW2

Greece, Egypt

What was the reaction of Britain and France to the Italian invasion of Abyssinia?

• did not close the Suez canal, kept trading most things with Italy

• arms embargo ON BOTH SIDES

• Allowed shipments to reach Abyssinia through British and French colonial ports

• Hoare-Laval Pact

• Finally decided to condemn, but too late

Name some reasons the UK and France reacted the way they did to the invasion of Abyssinia;

• Public still traumatised from WW1, unwilling to risk war again

• Unwilling to risk bad relationship with Mussolini

• Hoped to revive the Stresa Front

• French governmental instability

What was the American reaction to the Italian invasion of Abyssinia?

Diplomatic protest, non-recognition, but no real action

What was the Soviet response to the invasion of Abyssinia?

Cessation of trade with Italy, support for Abyssinia through the LoN

What were the international responses to the invasion of Albania?

• Britain and France condemn, but do not protest

• Chamberlain gave up appeasement

• Inaction by the LoN

• Britain guaranteed Greece’s borders