consequences of intervening in Spain
- M sent 50,000 'volunteers' + 1000's of artillery guns, tanks and aircraft
- they didn't fight that effectively and were defeated at the Battle of Guadalajara in 1937, against many opposing troops of anti-fascist Italians. Despite I forces outnumbering Spain 2 to 1 they lost. M could be blamed personally since his attack went against advice from Franco
- I submarines torpedoed neutral ships (inc B) suspected to carry Republicans in Spain. M denied this but it was proved and he was forced to abandon this policy
- to recover prestige, M had to make a bigger commitment than planned to ensure they won in 1939
- massive economic drain, costing 14 billion lire + leading to further devaluation + higher taxes
- no territory gained and Italy was now the only country in the world w a weaker army in 1939 than four years before
- B and F both had official stances of neutrality and were alienated by I's actions
- the war was unpopular in I, M failed to convince public opinion it was necessary