The Paris peace settlement was a key in both of the leaders foreign policies, as they both were weakened in the treaty of Versailles. Both of the leaders put forward a very radical fascist ideology that idealized national expansion and military strengths as the proof of national strength and prestige of the country. Differences in the two fascist leaders policies start to show in their aims and the planning of them. As Hitler was trying to make Germany the absolute dominant power in Europe, Mussolini's aims were more on the prestige, as he wanted to make Italy "Respected and feared". But the similarities were also great as they both were great opportunists and aggressive expansionists, they wanted to expand their countries to become the dominant powers in Central Europe (Germany) and the Mediterranean (Italy).
They did this through aggressive policies, which they hoped would achieve their aim and build up their empire. In 1897 Germany introduced Weltpolitik (World policy). This was a militaristic strategy and the aim of it was for Germany to become a world power and to create an empire to rival Britain’s. They tried to build up their empire but only managed to gain minor colonies, which offered little gain to Germany and did little to assert their authority in Europe. They clashed with the main powers of Europe over territory like morocco, which ultimately strengthened Franco-Anglo relationships.
In the second half of the 19th century, nationalism and revolutionary ideas swept through Europe. Two big nations, the Italians and Germans decided to unify the states that they were divided into and form strong countries. The process of unification in both countries was led by men such as Cavour in Italy and Bismarck in Germany, who through the use of manipulative politics, which led to events such as political warfare, were able to either accomplish all they desired or at least their main goals. The unification of Italy and Germany was propelled by great leaders and smart politicians who used great tactics to reach their goals. In Italy, the initiation of the idea of unification was started by Mazzini, who, with the idea of romantic republicanism, stirred up the nationalistic sentiment in his country.
Furthermore, the intricate system of alliances spawned during this era meant diplomacy became an impossible task that only the most expert politicians could manoeuvre. Despite the factors that could contradict the popular belief that it was Germany and it's unification that caused the First World War, the contrast of Bismarck's expert leadership with Wilhelm II's youthful and naive approach is also a huge factor, incorporated with this school of thought is the idea that the growth of Militarism, especially in Germany, made the idea of war vogue. This study will attempt to provide an alternate view point on the issue. In 1871, Otto Von Bismarck amalgamated the German States through subtle diplomacy and a series of military victories. However, the nature of their victory incited bitter indignation from the French and unsettled the European balance of power.
Revolutions between 1820-1821, 1831-1832 and 1948-1949 were all ultimately overthrown to some extent by Austrian force. Prince Clement Metternich, the Austrian chancellor, was a passionate opponent of Italian Nationalism. A main catalyst for this was the issue of Austrian pride. The Liberals, Radicals and Nationalists ideas within Italy (that the people has a right to some say in government, fairer distribution of wealth and greater independence) would completely undermine Austrian control over Italy. In the interest of Austria’s security, Metternich was keen to suppress liberal and nationalists movements, and was determined to maintain dominance so that Austria would not appear weak.
Overall, Source W challenges source V, as it indicates that Germany’s aggressive actions since the turn of the century resulted in war. Source X implies how it is a matter of great controversy however leads more towards the fact that Germany had always wanted colonial expansion. Although it could be argued otherwise, it is evident that outbreak of war in Europe was due to an aggressive foreign policy which had been waged c.1900. Source V states that Germany, ‘felt encircled not only by the triple entente but also by the forces of change’. Although it is true that Germany was surrounded by an alliance system, indeed an extensive alliance system did surround Germany, whether they posed a threat or not is questionable.
Fischer’s argument that the outbreak of the First World War was due to Germany’s aggressive foreign policy, with a harsh focus on annexation, can be regarded as one of much significance. This theory has been backed up by historians such as Berghahn who claims that Germany ‘[tried] to shift the balance of power in their favour’, and did this through a weltpolitik policy of aggressiveness. This, it can be argued, can be shown by The Navy Race, in which Germany attempted to expand their navy in order to compete with Britain. Despite this being regarded by some as an attempt to
Fascism in Italy & Germany Fascism was a very powerful yet motivating type of government that the people of Germany and Italy believed would bring dramatic change to their world. Unfortunately, many of them later realized that it could have helped them at the time however it took away all of their individual rights and freedom to focus solely on the bettering of their nation as one. The years following World War I took a drastic toll on the people of both Italy and Germany; there was an economic depression as well as political instability. Why did the people fall for such a horrid government you may ask? Desperate people fall for desperate situations.
A German diplomat named Bismarck knew that Germany’s neighbouring European Powers’ reaction would be to unite against their new empire. He was determined not allow the nation to become isolated or overpowered, so it was he who began the chain of international alliances which would form over following years. Bismarck practised a particular type of diplomacy called ‘Realpolitik’. This is defined as politics based on strictly practical, rather than idealistic, notions. However this particular style of diplomacy was also described as unprincipled and unscrupulous.
France protested because they thought that having German influence on both sides would be too much if conflict would have occured. William the King of Prussia withdrew Leopold but the French still did not let this situation rest at hand. The French influence group led by Empress Eugénie wanted war with Prussia. So they sent a French ambassador to seek William I and ask him to sign papers