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Why did Mussolini form an alliance with Adolf Hitler’s Germany?

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Benito Mussolini formed an alliance with Adolf Hitler’s Germany primarily due to diplomatic isolation following his invasion of Ethiopia in 1935. This aggression led the League of Nations to impose economic sanctions, which antagonized Britain and France and left Italy diplomatically estranged.213

Mussolini moved into Hitler’s orbit hoping that German support would pressure the British and French into granting Italy further territorial concessions in Africa and the Mediterranean. Additionally, Mussolini believed that aligning with Germany would help him achieve his expansionist goals and solidify his "new Roman Empire," as he viewed war as a necessary tool to consolidate the Fascist revolution at home.214

Ultimately, this strategy failed to yield the desired territorial gains and relegated Italy to the role of a junior partner in the Rome-Berlin Axis. The relationship was formalized in May 1939 through the Pact of Steel, a military alliance that committed both nations to mutual support in any conflict, significantly reducing Mussolini's freedom of maneuver.215