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Military action was the most important method used by Germany and Italy to pursue their foreign policies from 1933 - Scottish Highers History - Question 38 - 2019
Question 38
Military action was the most important method used by Germany and Italy to pursue their foreign policies from 1933. How valid is this view?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Military action was the most important method used by Germany and Italy to pursue their foreign policies from 1933 - Scottish Highers History - Question 38 - 2019
Step 1
Military action was the most important method used by Germany and Italy
Answer
To assess the validity of the view that military action was the most important method used by Germany and Italy after 1933, we must consider various military interventions.
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Germany's military actions:
- The invasion of the Rhineland in 1936 marked a significant point where Hitler ignored the Treaty of Versailles, demonstrating an aggressive foreign policy aimed at reestablishing German strength. This action was largely a test of the resolve of France and Britain, which did not respond militarily.
- The Anschluss with Austria in 1938 and the subsequent demands made upon Czechoslovakia highlight Germany's militaristic policies. The Munich Agreement, arising from the threat of military action, allowed Hitler to annex territory without immediate consequence, indicating that military threat was key to his foreign strategy.
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Italy's military actions:
- Italy’s invasion of Ethiopia in 1935 showcased Mussolini's militarism, aiming to expand Italian influence and assert its power against other European nations. This aggression was met with limited international response, emboldening further military endeavors.
- Participation in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) also indicated Italy’s pursuit of expansionist policies through military means, providing support to Franco's forces with the hope of establishing a fascist ally in Europe.
Overall, military actions were central to both nations' foreign policies, used to intimidate or destabilize other nations, thus reinforcing the validity of the view that military action was indeed the most crucial method employed.
- Other methods:
- However, it is essential to recognize that diplomatic maneuvers, treaties, and pacts—such as the Anti-Comintern Pact between Germany and Japan—played significant roles in shaping their policies as well. These agreements illustrate a multifaceted approach to foreign policy, blending military threats with diplomatic strategies.
Step 2
How valid is this view?
Answer
The view that military action was the most important method for Germany and Italy to pursue their foreign policies from 1933 is valid to a significant extent, but it should not be seen in isolation. While military actions were indeed prominent, their effectiveness was often augmented by diplomatic efforts and alliances.
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Contextualizing military actions:
- Military actions served as tools to enforce diplomatic objectives. For example, Germany’s remilitarization of the Rhineland was not just a military move but also a strategic gamble relying on international inaction and diplomatic negotiations.
- In both instances, leaders like Hitler and Mussolini used military threats to bolster claims and demands, demonstrating that military action could serve a dual purpose of intimidation and justification for their ambitions.
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Diplomacy’s role:
- However, it is crucial to note the importance of diplomacy, especially in the early stages, where protests and negotiations were the initial responses to aggression. The absence of military confrontation prior to 1938 suggests that diplomatic channels were still being utilized effectively.
- The signing of treaties played a foundational role in establishing alliances, which further facilitated military actions later on.
Consequently, while military actions were paramount in advancing foreign policies, their validity as the singular most effective method is nuanced. The interplay of military action and diplomatic efforts characterizes the broader scope of Germany and Italy’s strategies during this period.