Evaluate the successes and failures of Mussolini’s foreign policy between 1922 and 1941.

The question requires that candidates should weigh up the strengths and weaknesses of Mussolini’s foreign policy between 1922 and 1941. Candidates may refer to Mussolini’s foreign policy falling into two distinct periods, with the 1920s and early 1930s being largely successful. The second and more aggressive period ultimately led to involvement in the Second World War and defeat for Italy. Successful policies were settling the issue of Fiume, treaties with Austria and Hungary, Locarno and forming the Stresa Front. Arguably the Corfu Incident was largely a failure as it raised tensions with other powers. From 1935 onwards, Mussolini’s foreign policy drew Mussolini closer to Nazi Germany. There could be an evaluation of the Abyssinian Crisis, the Rome–Berlin Axis and intervention in the Spanish Civil War. The Pact of Steel and the invasion of Albania tied Italy more closely to Germany. Entry into the war in 1940 and actions in Greece and North Africa were disastrous for Italy and contributed to Mussolini’s eventual overthrow in 1943. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported with appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates make an appraisal of the success and failures of Mussolini's foreign policy between 1922 and 1941. This was a popular question and there were some excellent responses seen. Detailed, accurate and relevant knowledge was provided on Mussolini's foreign policy throughout the relevant period by some candidates. Weaker candidates tended to focus more on his domestic policy or only wrote about the invasion of Abyssinia.