ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Italo-Soviet Pact

The italo-soviet pact was an agreement signed between Italy and the Soviet Union in the year 1933. This agreement meant that Italy and the Soviet Union agreed to be friends and help each other out when needed. Kind of like how you and your best friend make a friendship pact to always be there for each other!

At that time, Italy was led by a man named Benito Mussolini or "il Duce" (meaning the leader). He believed in fascism which means that he believed in having a very strong government, controlled by only one person - him. The Soviet Union, on the other hand, was led by Joseph Stalin who was a communist. Communism means that everyone works together as a group and that the government owns everything and shares it with the people.

Even though Italy and the Soviet Union were very different, they agreed to be friends because they had some things in common. Both countries felt left out of important talks and deals that were happening between other rich countries. They felt like they were being treated unfairly and wanted to work together to become more powerful and have a say in important decisions.

The italo-soviet pact was important because it meant that Italy and the Soviet Union now had official ties with each other. They could now trade goods and help each other in times of need. For example, if Italy needed help fighting a war, the Soviet Union would be there to help them out. Just like how you help your best friend when they need you!

The alliance between Italy and the Soviet Union didn't last very long though. In 1941, Italy joined forces with Germany to fight against the Soviet Union, which broke their relationship. So always remember, it's important to choose your friends wisely!