Notes for Changing diplomatic alignments in Europe - IB | RevisionDojo
Changing diplomatic alignments in Europe Notes
The Breakdown of Collective Security
Collective Security
The League of Nations was intended to maintain peace, but its failure to act decisively against aggression undermined its credibility.
Key failures included:
Japan's invasion of Manchuria (1931): The League's inability to enforce sanctions or military action.
Italy's invasion of Abyssinia (1935–36): Limited sanctions and the collapse of the Stresa Front.
Note
The Stresa Front was an agreement between Italy, Britain, and France in 1935 to oppose German rearmament and maintain the status quo in Europe.
However, it quickly disintegrated due to conflicting interests and the Anglo-German Naval Agreement, which allowed Germany to expand its navy.
The Rise of Authoritarian Powers
Germany: Hitler's foreign policy aimed to overturn the Treaty of Versailles, expand German territory, and establish dominance in Europe.
Italy: Mussolini pursued imperial expansion and sought to establish Italy as a great power.
Japan: Expansion in Asia and the Pacific, driven by economic needs and militaristic ideology.
Germany, Japan and ItalyTip
When analyzing diplomatic alignments, consider the interplay between national interests, ideological motivations, and economic pressures.
These factors often explain why countries chose cooperation or confrontation.
The Shift Toward Bilateral and Regional Agreements
1. Germany's Diplomatic Strategy
Non-Aggression Pact with Poland (1934): Secured Germany's eastern border temporarily.
Anglo-German Naval Agreement (1935): Allowed Germany to expand its navy, undermining the Treaty of Versailles and the Stresa Front.
Rome-Berlin Axis (1936): Formalized cooperation between Germany and Italy, aligning their foreign policies.
Axis PowersExample
The Rome-Berlin Axis was announced by Mussolini in 1936, describing the alliance as a "vertical line" around which Europe would revolve.
This marked a significant shift in Italy's foreign policy, moving away from cooperation with Britain and France.
2. Italy's Diplomatic Realignment
Stresa Front (1935): Initially aligned with Britain and France to oppose German rearmament.
Invasion of Abyssinia (1935–36): Alienated Britain and France, pushing Italy closer to Germany.
Anti-Comintern Pact (1937): Joined Germany and Japan in opposing communism, further distancing Italy from the Western democracies.
Anti-Comintern Pact (1937)Common Mistake
It's a common misconception that Italy was always aligned with Germany.
In fact, Mussolini initially opposed Hitler's ambitions, particularly regarding Austria.
The shift toward Germany was gradual and driven by Italy's isolation after the Abyssinian Crisis.
3. Japan's Role in European Diplomacy
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Note
The Breakdown of Collective Security
The League of Nations was intended to maintain peace, but its failure to act decisively against aggression undermined its credibility.
Key failures included:
Japan's invasion of Manchuria (1931): The League's inability to enforce sanctions or military action.
Italy's invasion of Abyssinia (1935–36): Limited sanctions and the collapse of the Stresa Front.
DefinitionLeague of NationsAn international organization established after World War I to maintain peace and prevent conflicts through collective security and diplomacy.
Example"The League's failure to act against Japan in Manchuria showed its weakness and encouraged further aggression by other powers."
NoteThe Stresa Front was an agreement between Italy, Britain, and France in 1935 to oppose German rearmament and maintain the status quo in Europe. However, it quickly disintegrated due to conflicting interests and the Anglo-German Naval Agreement, which allowed Germany to expand its navy.
