Move to Global War and Authoritarian States

Flashcards covering Italian and German expansion, and the consolidation of power in authoritarian states.

What socio-economic divisions existed in Italy?

Divisions between the industrial North and rural South, wealthy elites and poor workers, and the secular state and the Catholic Church.

What was Italy's perception of its gains after WWI?

Italy felt short-changed (Mutilated Victory) despite over 1 million casualties and minimal territorial gain.

What economic policy did Mussolini pursue?

Autarky, aiming for national self-sufficiency due to falling grain prices.

What regions did Mussolini want to dominate?

The Mediterranean and Balkan regions, with expansion into Africa.

What concept inspired Mussolini's imperial ambitions, and what was the corresponding term in Germany?

"Spazio Vitale" (Living Space), mirroring Germany’s Lebensraum.

What was the significance of the 1924 Invasion of Fiume?

Signaled Mussolini’s early aggressive intent.

How did Italy use Albania to strengthen its Balkan influence?

Through the 1924 Treaty of Friendship, turning Albania into an Italian protectorate.

How did Italy destabilize its rivals?

By backing anti-colonial movements, such as revolts in French Morocco.

What characterized Italy's rule in Italian Libya?

Brutal suppression of resistance movements.

What was the international impact of Italy's 1935-1936 invasion of Abyssinia?

It marked a turning point in the League of Nations' credibility.

What was the outcome of the 1923 Corfu Incident?

The League failed to resolve Italy's occupation of Corfu; the Conference of Ambassadors mediated instead, highlighting League weakness.

What was the significance of the 1925 Locarno Treaties?

Solidified Western European borders, while leaving Eastern Europe vulnerable, which Italy took advantage of.

What was the Hoare-Laval Pact, and what did it reveal?

A secret Anglo-French plan to appease Mussolini by giving him Abyssinian territory; it caused public outrage when leaked and exposed the hypocrisy and failure of collective security under the League.

What was the Hossbach Memorandum?

An internal Nazi document outlining Hitler’s long-term goal for Lebensraum in Eastern Europe and preserving the German 'racial community.'

What motivated Germany's support for Franco in the Spanish Civil War?

To combat communism and test its military.

What were some failures of collective security by the League of Nations?

Failure to stop key violations such as the 1936 Remilitarization of the Rhineland and the 1938 Anschluss with Austria.

What is an example of appeasement?

Chamberlain’s policy, notably the 1938 Munich Agreement, which allowed Hitler to annex the Sudetenland.

What was the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, and why was it significant?

A Nazi-Soviet non-aggression pact with a secret clause dividing Poland, securing Germany’s eastern flank for war.

What was the Anglo-German Naval Agreement?

Britain allowed Germany to rebuild its navy to 35% of Royal Navy strength, an early sign of appeasement.

What event led to Mussolini's appointment as Prime Minister?

The 1922 March on Rome, where King Victor Emmanuel III appointed Mussolini to avoid civil conflict.

What was the Acerbo Law?

A law that gave 2/3rds of parliament seats to the party with the most votes, solidifying Fascist control.

What was the Matteotti Crisis?

Socialist Giacomo Matteotti was assassinated after criticizing the Fascists; Mussolini survived the crisis and declared dictatorship in 1925.

What were the tactics used by Mussolini to stay in power?

OVRA (secret police), suppression of political opposition, control over media and education (Fascist youth movement).

What was the Lateran Treaty of 1929?

Ended conflict with the Vatican; the church recognized the Fascist regime, and Vatican City was declared sovereign.

What was the Enabling Act of 1933?

Gave Hitler dictatorial powers, effectively ending democracy in Germany.

What was the result of the Saar Plebiscite?

Over 90% voted to return to Germany, a propaganda win.

What actions did Germany under Hitler take in 1935 which violated the Treaty of Versailles?

Rearmament, introducing conscription, and revealing the Luftwaffe.

What were the consequences of the Reichstag Fire Decree?

Suspended civil liberties; used to arrest thousands of communists and consolidate power.

What was the Night of the Long Knives?

A purge of SA leaders and political opponents, which established the SS as the dominant force.

What did the Nuremberg Laws do?

Institutionalized antisemitism, excluding Jews from citizenship and legal protections.

What were Hjalmar Schacht’s MEFO Bills?

Secret rearmament financing via promissory notes from a dummy company, allowed massive military spending while bypassing the Reichstag and hiding from international comunity.