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‘Britain’s Attempts to Appease Mussolini in the 1930’s Were Successful’ Discuss

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‘Britain’s Attempts to Appease Mussolini in the 1930’s Were Successful’ Discuss
‘Britain’s attempts to appease Mussolini in the 1930’s were successful’ Explain why you agree or disagree with this view. (24 marks)

Britain’s attempt to appease Mussolini were successful up until the Abyssinian crisis of 1935, as Italy were not in league with Germany but on the contrary, were opposed to German expansion and revision of the treaty of Versailles. However after the Abyssinian crisis, this stance from Mussolini disappeared and changed greatly. Hence British attempts becoming unsuccessful, as ultimately Mussolini entered the Second World War on the side of Germany.

Britain and Italy’s relationship was cordial before the Abyssinian crisis, indicating success in their appeasement policies. The Stresa front of 1935 between: Britain, France and Italy manifested this, as they agreed to prevent further revision of the treaty from Hitler and to resist him in his expansionist aims, and to also condemn Hitler’s actions. The Stresa front was suggested by Mussolini himself who was very co-operative and acted on the side of Britain and France as they all shared the same opinion on German rearmament. This showed how prepared Mussolini was to take action and stand against German aggression, as Mussolini was the only one who actually sent troops, during the Austrian Putsch of 1934, when the Nazi’s attempted to exploit Austria’s condition by trying to take over and employ a Nazi government. Italy was the only country who was prepared to take stance that was not mere condemnation but an actual military reaction, these clearly suggested Mussolini strong feelings in regards to Hitler. This found great success as they all agreed to it and this manifested Britain’s success in appeasement policies.

Although Britain applied economic sanctions with the league, the sanctions did not include oil, which was the main necessity required for Italy’s invasion, as they required oil to run their ships for transportation. Britain did not close the Suez Canal, which was a

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