Impact of Fascism and Nazism on the Foreign Policies of Italy
1. Fascist Ideology and Expansionism
- Mussolini's foreign policy was deeply rooted in Fascist ideology, which glorified war, imperialism, and national strength.
- Mussolini sought to revive the glory of the Roman Empire by expanding Italy's territorial holdings.
Fascism emphasized the centrality of the state, the supremacy of the nation, and the necessity of conflict to forge a strong society.
2. Abyssinian Invasion (1935-1936)
- The invasion of Abyssinia (Ethiopia) was a pivotal moment in Italian foreign policy.
- It was driven by:
- Revenge for Italy's defeat at Adowa in 1896.
- The desire to demonstrate Italy's status as a great power.
- Economic motives, such as securing resources and land for settlement.
- Students often assume that the Abyssinian invasion was purely ideological.
- While ideology played a role, economic and strategic factors were equally significant.
3. Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)
- Mussolini intervened to support Franco's Nationalists, hoping to:
- Gain naval bases in the Mediterranean.
- Counter the spread of communism.
- Weaken France by preventing a left-wing government in Spain.
Italy sent over 70,000 troops to Spain, but the intervention strained its economy and exposed military weaknesses.
4. Albanian Invasion (1939)
- Mussolini invaded Albania to assert dominance in the Balkans and emulate Hitler's expansionist successes.
- This move was largely symbolic, as Albania was already an Italian satellite state.
The Impact of Domestic Economic Issues
1. Economic Pressures and Distraction
- The Great Depression severely impacted Italy, leading to high unemployment and economic instability.
- Mussolini used foreign policy to distract the public from domestic issues and foster national unity.
The invasion of Abyssinia was partly motivated by the need to divert attention from Italy's economic struggles and create a sense of national pride.
2. Costs of War and Autarky
- Mussolini's wars in Abyssinia and Spain drained the Italian economy, leading to a budget deficit of 28 billion lire by 1939.
- His pursuit of autarky (economic self-sufficiency) further strained resources and increased reliance on Germany for trade.
- When analyzing Mussolini's foreign policy, consider how economic factors intersected with ideological goals.
- Economic pressures often accelerated his aggressive actions.
Who Controlled Italian Foreign Policy in the 1930s?
1. Mussolini's Dominance
- Mussolini maintained tight control over foreign policy, appointing loyalists like Dino Grandi and Galeazzo Ciano to key positions.
- While Ciano initially supported closer ties with Germany, he later opposed the Pact of Steel, highlighting internal disagreements.
