Italian Expansion: 1935-1940

Italy was continuously at war between 1935 and 1939.
The invasion of Abyssinia marked a turning point, redirecting Italy's foreign policy.
The conquest of Abyssinia led to increased nationalist sentiment, encouraging further aggression.

Intervention in the Spanish Civil War.
Invasion of Albania in 1939.
Cemented alliance with Hitler in the Pact of Steel, but Italy didn't enter World War II until 1940.

Domestically, the invasion was seen positively, leading to a surge in nationalist feeling.

Ideological: Promotion of Fascist ideals.
Economic: To be researched further.
Changing European Situation: Influenced by Adolf Hitler's rise in Germany (January 1933).

Mussolini initiated a full-scale invasion, believing the League of Nations wouldn't respond strongly.
The French Foreign Minister, Pierre Laval, privately assured Mussolini of a free hand in Abyssinia.
The British wanted an agreement where Mussolini controlled the territory without formal annexation.
France and Britain didn't want to lose Italy as an ally against Nazi Germany.
Italy had previously prevented Hitler from attempting Anschluss in 1934.
The brutality of the Italian assault made it difficult for Britain and France to maintain their position.

Motivated by the 'success' in Abyssinia.
Opportunity to promote Fascist ideals.
Hope to gain naval bases in the Balearic Islands from General Franco.
According to historian Alexander De Grand, it was ideological – to prevent the spread of Soviet communism.

Italy and Germany both got involved in the Spanish Civil War.
Mussolini sent more assistance than any other country, including 70,000 troops.
The war was unpopular with the Italian population.
The cost of the war led to devaluation of the Lire and consumed one third of Italy's war stocks.
Exposed Italy's military weaknesses, such as the defeat at the Battle of Guadalajara (March 1937).
Increased tension between Italy, France, and Britain due to Italian submarine attacks.
Drew Italy closer to Germany, resulting in the Rome-Berlin Axis Alliance (October 25, 1936).
Italy joined the Anti-Comintern Pact in November 1937 with Germany and Japan and left the League of Nations in 1937.

Mussolini told the Austrian government to deal directly with Germany, implying Italy would no longer protect it.
In 1938, the Nazis invaded Austria (Anschluss).
Italy had been weakened by military commitments in Abyssinia and Spain.
During the Munich crisis of 1938, Mussolini played the role of 'broker of peace'.
When Hitler invaded the Sudetenland in March 1939, he did not consult Mussolini.

Mussolini wanted to regain initiative on the international stage and imitate Hitler's expansion.
Albania had been a satellite state.
Italy wanted to intimidate Yugoslavia and dominate the Adriatic.
Dino Grandi stated the intention was to open the ancient paths of Roman conquests in the east to Italy and threaten Britain with the loss of its naval bases.

March 25: Mussolini sent an ultimatum to King Zog demanding agreement to Italian occupation; Zog refused.
April 6: Widespread anti-Italian demonstrations.
Mussolini sent 100 planes to drop leaflets telling Albanians to submit.
Demonstrators demanded weapons to fight.
Mobilization of Albanian reserves was issued, but many officers and government officials fled.
Zog broadcast a public address stating he would resist Italian occupation.
April 7: Italy invaded with 100,000 men and 600 aircraft.
Albania had only 15,000 badly equipped troops trained by Italians.
Italian agents sabotaged their limited equipment.
By the end of April 7, all ports were in Italian hands, and Zog fled to Greece.
April 8: Italian forces entered Tirana and seized control of government buildings.
April 12: Albanian parliament deposed King Zog and voted to unite with Italy.
April 15: Albania withdrew from the League of Nations.
A Fascist government was set up under Shefqet Verlaci.
The Albanian foreign office was merged with the Italian foreign ministry, and the Albanian army was put under Italian command.
Mussolini declared the creation of the Italian Empire, and King Victor Emmanuel was crowned King of Albania.
Mussolini later used Albania as a base to invade Greece on October 28, 1940.

Mussolini approached Germany with the offer of an alliance called the 'Pact of Blood' (Pact of Steel).
Both powers agreed to aid the other if involved in hostilities.
Mussolini was reluctant to get involved in a full-scale conflict and privately told Hitler that Italy was not yet ready for war.
Italy declared itself a nonbelligerent when Hitler's invasion of Poland started the war with Britain and France.

Ideological: Contrary to Fascist doctrine not to join the war. Mussolini wanted to radicalize the regime.
In April 1940, Mussolini said: “To make a people great [the country] must be sent into battle”.
Strategic: Feared German dominance if Italy remained neutral. The war could bring territorial gains and control over the Mediterranean.
Economic: Italy was dependent on Germany as a major buyer of its food and textiles and a provider of coal. Britain blockaded all German coal ports in March 1940.
Italian forces engaged the French just before France sought an armistice on June 17, which came into effect on June 25, 1940.