Question

Describe the change in Mussolini’s foreign policy towards Nazi Germany from 1939 to 1940. 

Answer 1

1. From 1939 to 1940, Mussolini’s foreign policy changed a lot. He went from being cautiously neutral to forming an open partnership with Nazi Germany.
2. When Germany attacked Poland in 1939 and started World War II, Mussolini at first did not side with either side.
3. The Italian military wasn’t ready for a big war, so Mussolini called this time for non-belligerence. He wasn’t sure if he should get involved in a global war too soon or not.
4. But as Hitler’s troops quickly took over most of Western Europe in early 1940, including France in June, Mussolini saw a chance to gain power and territory by joining the winning side.
5. When he saw that Germany was winning, he stopped being neutral and, on 10th June, 1940, declared war on Britain and France. This was the moment when Italy fully joined the Rome-Berlin Axis and entered war with Nazi Germany.
6. Mussolini changed his foreign policy from neutrality to involvement because he saw an opportunity to increase Italy’s power in Europe and Africa.