What country did Italy invade in 1935?
Italy invaded Ethiopia (then known as Abyssinia) in October 1935, concluded May 1936.
The invasion led to international condemnation but strengthened Mussolini’s popularity at home.
What year did Italy join the Second World War?
1940, one year late after failing to meet 4 year plan. Entered on side of Germany, wanting to capitalise on French collapse.
What was the Stresa Front
The Stresa Front (1935) was an agreement between:
Italy, France, United Kingdom
Short lived. Aimed to oppose Adolf Hitler’s rearmament of Germany and defend the Treaty of Versailles.
It soon collapsed after Italy invaded Ethiopia.
What year did Hitler invade Austria?
Annexed Austria in 1938
What year was Mussolini dismissed from power?
1943, vote of no confidence, summoned by Victor Emmanuel, dismissed and executed.
What were the main differences between the Salò Republic and the Kingdom of the South?
Salò Republic (Italian Social Republic): German Puppet
Set up in northern Italy (1943–1945)
Led by Mussolini after being rescued by Germany
Controlled by Nazi Germany
Continued Fascist rule
Official name: Italian Social Republic
Kingdom of the South: Legitmate government under King
Located in southern Italy
Controlled by the King and the Allies
Led by King Victor Emmanuel III
Fought against Germany
What was the outcome of the 1946 referendum?
In 1946, Italians voted to abolish the monarchy.
Italy became a republic. 54.3% against 45.7% for monarchy
The royal family went into exile
The Kingdom of Italy ended
What was the Pact of Steel?
The Pact of Steel (1939) was a military alliance between Italy and Germany
It committed both countries to support each other in war.
What word did Mussolini use for Italian neutrality?
Non belligerent, not fighting yet but not neural either
At what battle were Italians defeated in the Spanish Civil War?
Italian forces were defeated at the Battle of Guadalajara in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War.
It was a significant embarrassment for Mussolini’s regime.
What word did Mussolini use for Italian neutrality?
Non belligerent, not fighting yet but not neural either
