Mussolini and the Anti-Comitern Pact

What was the Rome-Berlin Axis?

A treaty of friendship which promised to follow a common foreign policy

When was the Rome-Berlin Axis established?

25th October 1936

Why was the Rome-Berlin axis created?

Italy had distanced itself from Britain and France in earlier years after Britain ended the Stresa Front through the Anglo-German naval agreement. Italy pursued closer relations with Germany since the countries had many similar values

What were the similar values between Italy and Germany?

Little respect for the League of Nations and the pursuit of an aggressive foreign policy

In what ways did Italy and Germany have aggressive foreign policies?

Italy had invaded Abyssinia in order to gain an empire, while Germany was attempting to reverse the Treaty of Versailles

What was the Stresa Front?

A agreement between Britain, France and Italy to stand against Hitler in April 1935

How did Britain end the Stresa Front?

Britain signed the Anglo-German naval agreement with Germany

What did the Anglo-German naval agreement agree?

It allowed Germany to have a navy 35% of the size of Britain’s which undermined the Stresa Front

How did the Rome-Berlin Axis increase tension in Europe?

It brought Germany and Italy closer together, and aligned the two countries against the League of Nations

Was the Rome-Berlin Axis official?

No

Who was the Anti-Comintern Pact signed with?

Germany and Japan initially, but Italy joined later

When was the Anti-Comintern Pact agreed?

In 1936 between Germany and Japan, and Italy joined in 1937

What did the Anti-Comintern Pact agree?

The countries would help each other in the fight against communism

How did this pact against communism threaten the peace of Europe?

It suggested that Italy, Germany and Japan would use force to achieve this aim

What did the Anti-Comintern Pact make Stalin feel?

Angry, leading to the possibility that Stalin would retaliate against the Axis powers