Italian Foreign Policy (1933-1940)
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Italian Foreign Policy (1933–1940)
The actions and diplomatic strategies pursued by Mussolini’s Fascist Italy to expand influence, prestige, and territory before WWII.
Mussolini’s Foreign Policy Goals
To make Italy a great power, dominate the Mediterranean, revive the Roman Empire (“Spazio Vitale”), and distract from domestic issues.
Corfu Incident (1923)
Early show of aggression when Italy occupied the Greek island of Corfu after an Italian diplomat was killed. Italy withdrew after pressure, but it set a precedent.
Invasion of Abyssinia (1935–1936)
Mussolini invaded Abyssinia (Ethiopia) to gain an empire and assert power. League of Nations condemned the act and imposed sanctions, which were largely ineffective.
Impact of Abyssinian Crisis on Italy
Italy faced international criticism but gained territory. Sanctions pushed Mussolini closer to Hitler, damaging Italy’s relations with Britain and France.
Stresa Front (1935)
Agreement between Britain, France, and Italy to oppose German rearmament. It collapsed after Italy invaded Abyssinia, weakening collective security.
Rome-Berlin Axis (1936)
Alliance between Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany, marking a shift in Mussolini's diplomacy and increasing cooperation with Hitler.
Spanish Civil War (1936–1939)
Italy supported Franco’s fascists with troops and aircraft. It was costly for Italy and deepened ties with Nazi Germany.
Annexation of Albania (1939)
Mussolini invaded and annexed Albania to show strength after Hitler took Czechoslovakia. It was a showy but low-value conquest.
Pact of Steel (1939)
Military alliance with Germany. Mussolini pledged to support Hitler in war, although Italy was unprepared for conflict.
Appeasement and Italy
Britain and France tolerated Italy’s aggression (e.g. Abyssinia, Albania) to keep Mussolini as an ally against Hitler, but it failed.
Mussolini’s Diplomatic Failures
Italy became a junior partner to Hitler, lost international credibility, and entered WWII unprepared, undermining Mussolini’s prestige.
Impact of Foreign Policy on Italy
High costs (e.g. Abyssinia, Spain), economic strain, military unpreparedness, and increasing reliance on Germany.