Mussolini's Foreign Policy, 1923-1933

These 5 cards will discuss the relative success of Mussolini's foreign policy from the year 1923 to 1933.

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Corfu 1923

An Italian official was killed during the Greece-Albania border dispute whilst trying to resolve the conflict.

Mussolini demanded 50 million lire as compensation from Greece.

Italy invaded Greek Corfu.

The League of Nations condemned Italy and ordered a withdrawal.

Britian threatened to use naval intervention.

Mussolini withdrew after Greece paid the 50 million lire.

In this case, Mussolini's foreign policy was very successful, as he flexed his political and military muscle in order to gain what he wanted, which was the 50 million lire compensation.

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Fiume 1924

Mussolini sent a military Commander to the disputed region of Fiume.

Yugoslavia finally gave Fiume to Italy in 1924.

However, Yugoslavia made a new port, Split, which diminished Fiume's importance.

Whilst Mussolini portrayed this as a great victory, gaining their rightful land back from Yugoslavia. However, with the development of Split, the success of the reclaimation of Fiume was diminished, as the port was no longer the valuable asset Mussolini had fought for it for.

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The Locarno Pacts 1925

Mussolini attended the Locarno meeting with Germany, France and Belgium.

Germany, France and Belgium accepted their existing borders.

Mussolini attempted to get the Brenner border with Austria included in the Pact, but the guarantee failed.

This was a blow for Mussolini's foreign policy, as Italy still did not have a safe and secure border with Austria. This meant that the land could be taken over by someone else, another power who might threaten Mussolini's plans.

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Albanis 1926

Mussolini extended his influence in Europe.

He declared Albania an Italian Protectorate.

This meant Italy was technically running Albania, but it wasn't an actual colony.

this was a success for Mussolini's foreign policy, as he was not opposed in doing this and his PR could remain intact as he was not actually invading Albania. therefor, he made his grip on the Mediterranean more secure, whilst not coming under the scrutiny of Britain and France.

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Four-Power Pact 1933

The leaders of Germany, France, Britain and Italy met in Rome.

Mussolini hoped to make a rival to the League of Nations to sort out European affairs.

Italian press portrayed Italy as the centre of European diplomacy.

Nothing concrete came out of ther meeting however.

Whilst this would have been a success for PR, as Mussolini is seen as the host of the four powers and a great diplomat, he was not able to secure what he wanted, namely a powerful pact with the other European powers. This was a blow for his foreign policy, as he did not ensure the support of the other powers for his future plans.

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