"How far do the sources suggest consistent aims in Mussolini's foreign policy 1922-39?"

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Will Taylor 12G1

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PART A “How far do the sources suggest consistent aims in Mussolini’s foreign policy 1922-39?”

Source 1 suggests that Mussolini has no consistent aim in his foreign policy, and that it was “optimistic and egotistic”. Graham states that the foreign policy was “not based upon principles” but instead is a mercenary policy, doing anything that would benefit Mussolini’s reputation within Italy. It suggests that Mussolini is taking an altruistic approach to foreign policy, and at the same time his foreign policy is purely “based on opportunism”. There is a failure by Graham to perceive any coherence in Italian foreign policy, which may have been perfectly true in 1923. This source comes from the British ambassador of the time, and there would be little incentive to lie about current proceedings, and his information would need to be honest because it is being directed at the “His Majesty’s Government”. Despite the information in this source, it is clear in Source 3 that by 1939 Mussolini certainly does have a planned foreign policy.

Source 3 is Mussolini stating his foreign policy aims to the Grand Council. His aims are clearly to gain control of the Mediterranean and gain passage to the oceans. It logically outlines considerations and how to achieve these aims. One of Mussolini’s considerations is the resistance Italy would eb faced with from Britain and France if they were to pursue Mussolini’s expansionist aims. He says “We will find ourselves confronted with Anglo-French opposition” which is a contrast to what Sir Ronald Graham is suggesting in Source1, where he says “My impression is that he would prefer to work with Great Britain”. This statement may conceivably be what Graham considers to be true at this time, but it is not consistent with source 1. There is little sign of any consistency between sources 1 and 3, with Graham suggesting Italy has no evident foreign policy, and Mussolini setting out his aims of foreign policy, clearly and comprehensively. However, Graham does state that “…some striking success in foreign policy is of vital importance to him” which shows evidence that Mussolini has the desire to expand and add to an Italian empire, which is in-keeping with the aims Mussolini has stated in Source 3. In this source, Mussolini is addressing the Grand Council, which is the group of very important people in the Fascist regime. The source is in no way propaganda, because it is not intended for the consumption of the Italian people. Mussolini would need to be honest with his Grand Council because they are involved with putting his foreign policy into action and thus this source is very reliable.

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There appears to be a clear consistency in Mussolini’s foreign policy when juxtaposing Source 3 with Source 6. The Pact of Steel is consistent with Mussolini’s perception of the obstacle to Italian expansion. In order to secure a passage to the ocean, and expand, it would seem logical to ally with an upcoming power that has a similar ideology. Italy would not be able to fulfil its foreign policy desires without backing. Source 6, when compared with Source 5, demonstrates an inconsistency in Mussolini’s foreign policy. Source 6 is a very reliable source because it is The Pact of Steel, ...

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