Mussolini Paper 1

My Preperation for History Paper 1 Mussolini

The Battle for the Lira (1926)

The Battle for the Lira (1926)

The stabilization of the Lira, preventing its devaluation from 90 to 150 per British pound, curbed inflation, reduced import prices benefiting domestic industries like steel and chemicals, and ultimately strengthened Italy's armament industry and foreign policy.

Although domestic industries gained from Lira stabilization, the export sector struggled due to higher prices for Italian textiles, food, and vehicles, leading to mass unemployment and wage cuts that undermined the increased buying power of the Lira.

The Battle for Marshes (1931)

The draining of marshy areas like the Pontine Marshes to expand agricultural land, along with the construction of new towns such as Aprilia, Latina, and Sabaudia, garnered international praise for the regime.

Although 80,000 hectares of land were reclaimed, this was far below the government target of one sixth the area of Italy.

The Battle for Economic Unity

Under fascist rule, the number of annual industrial strikes decreased from 1,881 in 1920 to 200 in 1923, while a 40-hour workweek was introduced in 1934 and unemployment fell from 541,000 in 1921 to 117,000 in 1924.

Despite Mussolini's aim for a corporate state to benefit both employers and workers through mixed corporations, wages decreased to reflect the Lira's buying power, leading to ongoing labor exploitation.

The Battle for Wheat

The introduction of tariffs on grain imports and subsidies for machinery and fertilizers in 1925 led to a 75% reduction in wheat imports by 1935, achieving Autarky by 1940.

Insufficient fertilizer imports to match rising cereal production resulted in a decline in the quality of the Italian diet, particularly affecting the poorer southern regions.

Great Depression (1929)

Public works programs and the establishment of state-run holding companies, IRI and IMI, supported struggling banks and expanded government control over key industries, ultimately leading to a robust state-run industrial sector that modernized Italy's infrastructure and economy, including new steelmaking plants in the underdeveloped south.

Falling grain prices reduced foreign investment and severely impacted farmers, leading to an increase in unemployment by 2 million.

Corfu Affair (1923)

The Italian invasion of Corfu initially bolstered national unity and Mussolini's power, but despite being forced to withdraw due to the threat of British naval retaliation, it ultimately resulted in a beneficial friendship with British Foreign Minister Austen Chamberlain, reflecting mixed but largely successful outcomes for Mussolini.

Fiume and the Pact of Rome (1924)

The Italian invasion of Fiume was a significant success for Mussolini, as it forced the Yugoslavs to officially cede the city to Italy in the Pact of Rome and emboldened him to destabilize Yugoslavia by funding dissenting groups like the Croats.

Treaty of Friendship with Albania (1924)

Italy supported Ahmed Zog's rise to power in Albania, establishing a Treaty of Friendship and investing in the country to strengthen its army, particularly given its proximity to Yugoslavia.

The Locarno Treaties (1925)

The Locarno treaties, facilitated by Mussolini, successfully secured post-war settlements for Germany's western borders with France and Belgium but failed to establish agreements with Germany's eastern neighbors and demarcate Italy's border with Austria, resulting in a largely mixed success in his diplomatic efforts.

Kellogg Briand Pact (1928)

Locarno treaties led to Kellogg-Briand Pact, which denounced the use of war as a means to resolve disputes. Italy was one of 60 countries which was a signatory to the treaty. 

Pacification of Italian Libya (1928)

Mussolini's violent suppression of a revolt in Libya escalated into a full-scale war, ultimately concluding through the use of overwhelming force and mass executions.

Treaty of Friendship with Abyssinia (1928)

Mussolini signed a Treaty of Friendship with Abyssinia, despite his long term ambitions of conquest there. 

Mussolini’s need to dominate the Mediterranean Sea

In the mid-1930s, with 86% of Italy's imports arriving by sea through key Mediterranean entry points, it was crucial for Italy to maintain hegemony in the region to ensure Autarky.

Four Power Pact (1933)

Mussolini's meeting in Rome to establish the Quadripartite Pact, intended as a more powerful alternative to the League of Nations with signatories from Britain, France, Germany, and Italy, was hailed as a success in Italy but ultimately failed to promote cooperation among the Great Powers, who dismissed it.

Dolfuss Affair (1934)

After the assassination of Austrian Chancellor Engelbert Dollfuss by Austrian Nazis, Mussolini, a staunch supporter of an independent Austria, deployed troops to the border, effectively deterring Hitler from pursuing the Anschluss.

Stresa Front (1935)

The Stresa Front, formed by Italian, British, and French officials to resist violations of the Treaty of Versailles amid concerns over Hitler's rearmament, ultimately lacked specificity in naming Germany due to British hesitance, yet it enabled Mussolini to pursue Italy's territorial ambitions, such as preventing the Anschluss and bolstering his confidence to invade Abyssinia.

Impact of Ideology on Foreign Policy

Italy aimed to establish itself as a great imperial power like France and Britain, seeking to reclaim the glory of the Roman Empire, compensate for its minimal territorial gains after WWI, and avenge its defeat in the 1896 Battle of Adwa by invading Abyssinia to secure its "place in the sun."

Impact of Economy on Foreign Policy

To distract the Italian public from economic troubles and address a rapidly growing population's need for land, Mussolini adopted a more dynamic foreign policy, leading to the invasion of Abyssinia and involvement in the Spanish Civil War, despite resistance from the King and elites who traditionally supported Britain and were hostile to Germany.

Spanish Civil War (July 1936)

In the Spanish Civil War, Mussolini and the Nazis sided with General Franco's Nationalists to combat Communism and enhance Italy's military power, while France and Britain supported the Republicans. This alignment allowed Mussolini to limit Communist and French influence in the Sea of Gibraltar and gain access to Spanish ports, further deepening ties with Germany as relations with France and Britain deteriorated.

Rome-Berlin Axis (October 1936)

The Rome-Berlin axis was created, to promote collaboration against Communism, and to promote economic self-sufficiency.  

Anti-Comintern Pact (November 1937)

The anti-Comintern pact was created with Germany and Japan, to safeguard their common interests against Soviet attacks, and international Communist activities.

Italy leaves the League (December 1937)

Mussolini leaves the weak and decadent league, for a new, stronger order created by the expansionist powers.

Anschluss (1938)

Mussolini informed Austria that they would engage directly with Germany, resulting in Italy's acceptance of the Anschluss, a decision unpopular in Italy but seen by Mussolini as a way to align the foreign policies of both nations.

Britain’s response to Italy foreign policy

In the 1930s, British politicians, influenced by public anti-war sentiment, economic challenges, and a desire to appease dictators, supported the League of Nations while simultaneously accommodating Italian expansionism, evidenced by plans to grant Italy the Ogaden region. Britain failed to enforce League sanctions or close the Suez Canal, emboldening Mussolini and undermining the effectiveness of British foreign policy.

France’s response to Italy foreign policy

France aimed to permanently weaken Germany but faced disillusionment when the U.S. rejected the Treaty of Versailles and Britain pursued appeasement, leading to economic stagnation and political instability that hindered action against Fascism. As France became increasingly reliant on Britain and sought Italian support against Hitler, it made concessions to Mussolini, such as granting parts of French Somaliland, ultimately allowing Italy to act freely in Abyssinia while diverting attention from sanctions after Hitler remilitarized the Rhineland.

League’s response to Italy foreign policy

In March 1935, Haile Selassie appealed to the League of Nations for support against the large-scale buildup of Italian forces in East Africa, but after two unsuccessful appeals, war became inevitable as Italian mobilization continued. Although the League identified Italy as the aggressor and began imposing sanctions in October 1935, it failed to embargo crucial materials like coal, steel, and oil, and ultimately lifted sanctions by July 1936 following the fall of Addis Ababa.

USA’s response to Italy foreign policy

The U.S. sought to maintain its global trade and investment interests by avoiding involvement in conflicts that did not align with its goals, prompting the passage of the 1935 Neutrality Act to prevent arms sales to warring nations. Despite recognizing the potential global repercussions of unrest in East Africa, the U.S. chose to remain aloof from these disputes and even increased exports to Italy, disregarding the League of Nations' sanctions.

Hoare Laval Pact (December 1935)

The Hoare-Laval Pact, which aimed to appease Italy by granting it most of Abyssinia, was leaked to the press, provoking public outrage and leading to the resignation of Foreign Secretaries Pierre Laval and Samuel Hoare as their governments denounced the plan.

Italian Invasion of Abyssinia (October 1935)