German and Italian expansion: Causes

German and Italian expansion: Causes

Economic Factors

  • The severe economic impact of the Treaty of Versailles on Germany created a deep resentment in the population and a desire to regain national pride.
  • The Great Depression of the 1930s further exacerbated economic problems in both Germany and Italy, implicating the democratic governments and the perceived failure of democracy.

Political Factors

  • Both Germany and Italy suffered from instability and changes in government. In Germany, anger towards the Weimar Republic’s incompetence was exploited by Hitler.
  • The rise of Fascist movements incited nationalism and promised stability and strength through dictatorship. Benito Mussolini in Italy and Adolf Hitler in Germany effectively conveyed this message.

Treaty of Versailles

  • The oppressive terms of the Treaty of Versailles imposed on Germany in 1919 after World War I were perceived as unfairly harsh and punitive. The resentment was harnessed by Hitler.
  • Italy also felt betrayed by the terms of the Paris Peace agreements, considering they didn’t receive the territories promised.

Appeasement and Allied Reaction

  • Attempts to maintain peace by the other European powers enabled German and Italian expansion. Hitler successfully challenged the Treaty of Versailles, with little resistance from Britain and France.
  • The strategic use of fear by Hitler and Mussolini, especially fear of Communism, led to a policy of appeasement by Britain and France, so sanctioned expansion.

Desire for Empire

  • Both nations harboured a desire to re-establish their empires. Germany wanted to reverse the effects of Versailles, while Italy aimed to restore its Roman glory.
  • The concept of Lebensraum or ‘living space’ was championed by Adolf Hitler, who believed that Germans needed more territory for their racial survival and development, a justification used to initiate expansion.

Military Factors

  • Both Germany and Italy made huge investments in militarisation, epitomised by the policy of Wehrwirtschaft (‘defence economy’) and the initiation of Mandatory Military Service in Germany under the Nazi rule.
  • The development of a strong military infrastructure also gave the leaders the tools to expand their territories and impose their ideologies.