British foreign policy was unsuccessful in containing fascist aggression, 1935 to March 1938 - Scottish Highers History - Question 54 - 2018

Mussolini's ambitions in Africa were a significant challenge. The Stresa Front in 1935 aimed to contain Mussolini's aggression but failed. Britain's attempts to broker peace, such as offering concessions, were ineffective, leading to the occupation of Abyssinia.

Britain's response to German rearmament in the 1930s was weak. The remilitarization of the Rhineland in 1936 highlighted Britain's reluctance to act decisively, which encouraged further aggression from Hitler. The lack of a strong response undermined Britain’s credibility.

The Anglo-German Naval Agreement of 1935 did limit naval spending but ultimately allowed Hitler to strengthen Germany’s naval capacity, further emboldening his actions.

Britain promoted a non-intervention policy during the Spanish Civil War, which was ineffective as both Germany and Italy engaged militarily, demonstrating Britain’s inability to prevent fascist intervention.

The annexation of Austria by Germany was another failure of British policy. Despite initially condemning the act, Britain did little to counter it, revealing the weakness of its foreign policy under Neville Chamberlain.

In summary, British foreign policy from 1935 to March 1938 was largely unsuccessful in containing fascist aggression. The failure to take decisive action against Mussolini and Hitler ultimately contributed to the escalation of their ambitions in Europe.