Comprehensive Notes on Italian and German Expansionism and Foreign Policy 1870-1940

Section 2.1: The Impact of Fascism on Italian Foreign Policy: The Origins, 1870-1933

Key Concepts

  • Causation: Growth of Fascism linked to discontent post WWI

  • Significance: Mussolini's foreign policy is crucial for understanding 20th-century conflicts

Key Questions

  • Reasons for growth of support for fascism post WWI

  • Influence of Fascism on Italian foreign policy in 1920s

Timeline Highlights

  • 1903-1914: Giolitti's appointment and political unrest

  • 1914: Mussolini joins Socialist Party, expelled over war stance

  • 1919-1922: Mussolini rises to power amid unrest and Fascist violence

Post-WWI Context

  • Italy unified in 1861; remained divided socio-economically

  • Widespread discontent after outcomes of WWI highlighted by 'Mutilated Victory'

  • Mussolini's foreign policy driven by:

    • Nationalist aspirations

    • Economic weaknesses

    • Geopolitical context and fascist ideology

Fascist Ideology

  • IDEALS: Nationalism, militarism, and expansionism

  • Mussolini believed fascism was a force for action rather than mere doctrine

Factors Influencing Foreign Policy

  • Economic Resources: Italy's limited resources led to aggressive expansion

  • International Context: Treaty of Versailles and regional nationalism

  • Previous Humiliations: Past military setbacks influenced aggression

Rise of Mussolini

  • Weaknesses of Liberal Italy (1870-1923) included lack of national identity

  • Social divisions & government corruption facilitated Mussolini’s rise

  • Liberal democracy’s failure led to increased support for Fascism among various societal groups

Section 2.2: The Impact of Nazism on German Foreign Policy: The Origins, 1918-1933

Key Concepts

  • Causation: Influence of WWI defeat on Nazi growth

  • Perspectives: Different interpretations of Nazism's rise to power

Early Years of Nazism

  • 1918-1923: Economic turmoil following WWI spurred support for radical parties

  • Mein Kampf: Outlines Hitler's vision for a 'Greater Germany' and Lebensraum

  • Rise of the NSDAP: Connects to economic conditions and dissatisfaction with Weimar Republic

Section 2.3: Italian Expansion (1933-1940)

Key Concepts

  • Expansionism: Mussolini aimed to recreate a modern Roman Empire

  • Economic Factors: Great Depression affecting opportunities for expansion

Important Events

  • 1935: Italian invasion of Abyssinia, highlighting aggressive foreign policy and imperial ambitions

  • 1936: Support in Spanish Civil War to cement Fascist ties with Nazi Germany

  • 1939: Invasion of Albania solidified Italian dominance over the Adriatic

Consequences of Expansion

  • Gave Mussolini a façade of success while generating domestic enthusiasm for Fascism

  • Resulted in increased tensions with Britain and France, impacting future alliances and conflicts

Section 2.4: German Expansion (1933-1938)

Key Concepts

  • Consequences of Action: Redefinition of the European balance of power

  • Perspective on Aggression: Understanding how appeasement allowed Hitler to strengthen his position

Key Actions by Hitler

  • 1936: Remilitarization of the Rhineland

  • 1938: Anschluss with Austria and demands over Czechoslovakia

  • 1939: Invasion of Poland, triggering WWII

Tactics Used by Hitler

  • Creation of alliances and non-aggression pacts to bolster his position

  • Aggressive rhetoric coupled with savvy diplomatic maneuvers (Munich Agreement)

Section 2.5: The International Response to German Aggression

Key Developments

  • Appeasement: Both Britain and France's attempts to avoid conflict ultimately emboldened Hitler

  • Outbreak of War: British and French guarantees to Poland marked a shifting point in their foreign policy

Reflections on Aggression

  • Historian views differ on the effectiveness and morality of appeasement policies

  • The failure of the League of Nations led to weakened collective security measures