Question

The cartoon titled Good Hunting by Bernard Partridge, depicting Hitler and Mussolini, reflects a major shift in Italy’s foreign policy after 1934. Study it carefully and answer the question that follows.

In this context, examine’s changing attitude towards Hitler in the light of any four subsequent developments.

Answer 1

It shows how Italy’s foreign policy drastically shifted after 1934, going from opposing Hitler to being an ally and friend.

In 1934, Mussolini’s attitude toward Hitler shifted from distrust and hostility to friendship and firm backing. Four later developments that clearly show this shift are as follows:

1. Abyssinian Crisis (1935-36): Italy attacked Ethiopia (Abyssinia) during the Abyssinian Crisis (1935–36). France and Britain placed economic penalties on Italy and criticized it. Hitler, however, supported Mussolini by providing raw materials and coal and refusing to participate in the sanctions. Thankful, Mussolini started to view Hitler as a helpful ally against the Western nations.
2. Cooperation in the Spanish Civil War (1936-39): Hitler and Mussolini both helped General Franco’s fascist side in Spain with troops, aircraft, and weapons. German and Italian soldiers engaged in joint combat. Their political and personal ties were further strengthened by their military cooperation.
3. Rome-Berlin Axis (October 1936): Hitler and Mussolini formally agreed to work together on foreign affairs. With pride, Mussolini referred to it as the “Axis,” around which all of Europe would revolve. This was the first visible indication that they were now close allies.
4. Anschluss with Austria (March 1938): Mussolini had committed Italian forces to prevent Germany from annexing Austria in 1934 after strongly opposing Hitler. However, Mussolini had no objections when Hitler eventually took Austria in 1938. He even informed the Italians that it was a good thing and sent a telegram cheering Hitler. This was the best evidence that Mussolini’s mindset had entirely shifted.