‘In the years 1936 to 1939, the close relationship with Germany was of no benefit to Italy.’ Assess the validity of this view.
Level
A Level
Year Examined
2020
Topic
Italy and Fascism, c1900-1945
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‘In the years 1936 to 1939, the close relationship with Germany was of no benefit to Italy.’ Assess the validity of this view.
<center>To what extent was the close relationship between Italy and Germany from 1936 to 1939 of no benefit to Italy? </center>
The years leading up to the Second World War witnessed a complex interplay of alliances and ambitions on the European stage. Central to this was the burgeoning relationship between Fascist Italy under Benito Mussolini and Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler. While this partnership initially promised mutual gains, the assertion that "in the years 1936 to 1939, the close relationship with Germany was of no benefit to Italy" merits a nuanced examination. This essay will argue that while the relationship did offer some limited advantages, ultimately, the drawbacks for Italy, particularly the erosion of its foreign policy autonomy and the economic and military burdens imposed, significantly outweighed the benefits.
On the surface, the close relationship with Germany seemed to offer Italy a path to achieving its long-held imperial ambitions. The secret protocols within the Rome-Berlin Axis (1936) seemingly promised German support for Mussolini’s designs in the Mediterranean and North Africa. This fuelled Italian adventurism, exemplified by its intervention in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). The conflict, however, became a costly endeavor, ‘bleeding Italy white’ both financially and militarily. The humiliating defeat at the Battle of Guadalajara exposed the limitations of Italian military prowess and underlined the disparity in power between Italy and its German ally. Furthermore, the Spanish adventure did little to advance Italy's strategic goals in the region.
Beyond territorial ambitions, Mussolini relished the propaganda value of the alliance with Germany. The Anti-Comintern Pact (1937) and the Pact of Steel (1939), with their militaristic undertones, resonated with the core tenets of Fascist ideology. This partnership, at least superficially, enhanced Mussolini's image as a strongman on the international stage. His role as a supposed “honest broker” at the Munich Conference in 1938, mediating between Germany and the Western powers, further bolstered this image. However, this episode also exposed the limits of Italian influence. While Mussolini may have enjoyed the appearance of power, in reality, he was unable to prevent the dismemberment of Czechoslovakia, an event that foreshadowed the subordinate role Italy would play in the Axis partnership.
The façade of an equal partnership quickly crumbled as Hitler’s Germany adopted an increasingly assertive foreign policy. The Anschluss with Austria in 1938, undertaken without consulting Mussolini, demonstrated Hitler’s disregard for Italian interests and his willingness to act unilaterally. This event sent shockwaves through the Italian government, highlighting the potential threat posed by an unchecked Germany on its northern border. Furthermore, Italy's growing economic dependence on Germany for essential raw materials further restricted Mussolini's ability to chart an independent course.
Domestically, the alliance with Germany proved detrimental to Mussolini's popularity. The introduction of racial laws in 1938, a clear emulation of Nazi Germany's policies, alienated many Italians and eroded support for the regime. The Italian people, largely unconvinced by the purported benefits of the Axis, grew increasingly wary of being drawn into another costly war at Germany's side. This ultimately culminated in Italy's declaration of non-belligerence at the outbreak of World War II in 1939, a decision driven by a combination of military unpreparedness and a desire to avoid the catastrophic consequences of a war for which Italy was ill-equipped.
In conclusion, while the close relationship between Italy and Germany from 1936 to 1939 may have yielded fleeting moments of international prestige and aligned with certain aspects of Fascist ideology, the drawbacks for Italy far outweighed the benefits. The alliance severely limited Italian foreign policy autonomy, exposed the country to economic and military risks, and ultimately failed to deliver on the promise of territorial gains. Instead of achieving great power status, Italy found itself increasingly relegated to a junior partner role, its fate tied to the ambitions of a much stronger and more aggressive Germany. In this sense, the close relationship with Germany during this period can be seen as a costly miscalculation for Mussolini and a significant contributing factor to the ultimate downfall of Fascist Italy.
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Essay Outline: "In the years 1936 to 1939, the close relationship with Germany was of no benefit to Italy."
This essay will explore the validity of the statement that the close relationship between Italy and Germany from 1936 to 1939 was detrimental to Italy. It will argue that while the alliance initially offered some benefits, the relationship ultimately proved to be a liability for Mussolini's regime.
Argument 1: The Costs of the German Alliance
1.1: Loss of Flexibility:
The alliances with Germany (Rome-Berlin Axis 1936, Anti-Comintern Pact 1937, Pact of Steel 1939) limited Mussolini's ability to act independently in foreign policy. He was compelled to follow Germany's lead, leading to commitments Italy was unprepared for, like the outbreak of war in 1939. This culminated in Italy's humiliating position as a 'non-belligerent' power.
1.2: German Dominance:
Germany's increasing dominance in the alliance undermined Mussolini's authority. He was unable to prevent the Anschluss in 1938 and Hitler's disregard for Italy was evident in the invasion of Czechoslovakia without prior consultation. Italy's economic dependence on Germany further exacerbated this imbalance.
1.3: The Spanish Civil War:
Italy's involvement in the Spanish Civil War, fueled by the alliance with Germany, proved costly. The war drained Italian resources (the phrase "bled Italy white" is often used) and culminated in a humiliating defeat at the Battle of Guadalajara.
1.4: Domestic Impact:
Mussolini's pro-German policies, such as the introduction of race laws, alienated segments of the Italian population and contributed to a decline in his popularity.
Argument 2: Potential Benefits of the Alliance
2.1: International Prestige:
Mussolini initially enjoyed considerable international prestige, especially prior to 1938. His role as a 'peacemaker' at Munich, for instance, appeared to give him influence with both Germany and Britain.
2.2: Spanish Civil War Gains:
The Axis was formed during the Spanish Civil War, which ultimately benefited the Fascists. Mussolini's influence in the Western Mediterranean increased, solidifying his position in the region.
2.3: Propaganda and Ideology:
The alliances, particularly the 'Pact of Steel', provided Mussolini with valuable propaganda. The militaristic nature of the pact aligned with Fascist ideology and bolstered his image as a strong leader.
2.4: Support for Imperial Ambitions:
Secret agreements within the Rome-Berlin Axis hinted at German support for Mussolini's imperial ambitions in the Mediterranean and North Africa. This potential benefit, however, remained largely unrealized.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the relationship with Germany offered some initial benefits to Italy, including increased international prestige and propaganda opportunities. However, the alliance ultimately proved to be a costly mistake for Mussolini. The loss of flexibility in foreign policy, the dominance of Germany, the economic and military burdens of the alliance, and the domestic repercussions of Mussolini's pro-German policies all contributed to the downfall of his regime. By aligning himself with Germany, Mussolini ultimately weakened Italy's position on the world stage and exacerbated the internal vulnerabilities of his regime. The alliance ultimately cost Italy more than it gained.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
Arguments Supporting the View that the Close Relationship with Germany was of No Benefit to Italy (1936-1939)
Arguments supporting the view that in the years 1936 to 1939, the close relationship with Germany was of no benefit to Italy might include:
⭐The alliances with Germany (Rome-Berlin Axis 1936, Anti-Comintern Pact 1937, Pact of Steel 1939) reduced Mussolini’s flexibility in foreign policy. In 1939, he made commitments that Italy was unprepared for. Mussolini had the humiliation of becoming a ‘non-belligerent’ power.
⭐Germany was the dominant partner. Mussolini was unable to prevent the Anschluss in 1938. Hitler showed his contempt for Italy when he invaded Czechoslovakia without telling Mussolini in advance. Italy was economically dependent on Germany.
⭐Italy joined Germany in the Spanish Civil War, a war which ‘bled Italy white’. Italy suffered a humiliating defeat at the battle of Guadalajara.
⭐Mussolini became less popular at home with his pro-German policies, such as the introduction of the race laws.
Arguments Challenging the View that the Close Relationship with Germany was of No Benefit to Italy (1936-1939)
Arguments challenging the view that in the years 1936 to 1939, the close relationship with Germany was of no benefit to Italy might include:
⭐Mussolini enjoyed considerable international prestige, especially to 1938, for example, he played the role of ‘honest broker’ at Munich and was seen as a peacemaker. Mussolini seemed to have influence with both sides.
⭐The Axis was formed during the Spanish Civil War, which the Fascists ultimately won. Mussolini’s influence in the Western Mediterranean increased.
⭐Mussolini enjoyed the propaganda value of the alliances, relishing the militaristic nature of the ‘Pact of Steel’ which reflected Fascist ideology.
⭐Hitler gave support to Mussolini’s imperial ambitions in the Mediterranean and North Africa in the secret agreements of the Rome Berlin Axis.
Conclusion
It could be argued that Mussolini made a fateful error in aligning with Germany, which lost him the support of the Italian people and ultimately destroyed the regime. On the other hand, Mussolini could be seen to be exploiting his influence with both sides in order to further Italy’s imperial ambitions. Italy was able to avoid war in 1939 and was still in a position to choose its destiny. It would be equally valid to address this question with reference to foreign policy only, or to address issues of both foreign and domestic policy.