• Changing diplomatic alignments in Europe, the end of collective security, and appeasement

Question 1

Locarno treaty

Answer 1

1925 - Signed to establish and guarantee peace and stability in Western Europe after WWI (LON imposed sanctions on Italy + gave scarps of land)

Question 2

Kellogg-Briand pact

Answer 2

1928 - When countries renounced war as a tool of national policy and committed to resolving national disputes peacefully. (Italian fascism was based of aggressive imperialist policies -> sanctions, withdrawing from LON etc)

Question 3

Assassination of Dollfuss

Answer 3

1934 - Dollfuss- killed by failed coup by Austrian Nazi’s supported by Nazi Germany
- Mussolini was a strong supporter of Dollfuss + Austrian independence
- Temporarily checked German expansionism in Austria

Question 4

Stresa front

Answer 4

1935 - A protest against Germany’s rearmament and a promise to stand united against German aggression (Britain, France and Italy)

Question 5

Italian invasion of Abyssinia

Answer 5

1935 - Began October 3rd 1935
- To expand Italy’s empire
- Chemical weapons + military technology -> annexation
- LON failed to prevent aggression

Question 6

Italy engages in the Spanish Civil War

Answer 6

1936 - Provided support to franco’s nationalist (equipment, troops, finances) but Italy was weak and limited in assistance

Question 7

Rome-Berlin Axis

Answer 7

1936 - Alliance between Italy and Germany (facilitated territorial expansion, military, outbreak of WWII)
* Based on the assumption that war would occur within 3 years and aimed to ensure that neither country would make peace without the agreement of the other

Question 8

Italy withdrew from LON

Answer 8

1937 - Withdrew due to the invasion of Abyssinia (sanctions + international condemnation + growing alliance with Germany & limited support from major powers)

Question 9

Anglo - Italian agreements

Answer 9

1938 - 8 agreements signed between Britain and Italy to improve diplomatic relations and ease tensions (prevent Italy from fully aligning with Germany)

Question 10

Munich conference

Answer 10

1938 - Italy was a mediator and supporter of Germany’s annexation of the Sudetenland.