The document discusses Italy's invasion of Abyssinia (now Ethiopia) under Mussolini, motivated by colonial ambitions and the desire for resources. The invasion, which began in 1935, was marked by significant war crimes and resulted in the annexation of Abyssinia, leading to a surge of nationalism in Italy but also economic challenges. Mussolini's foreign policy shifted dramatically, ultimately disregarding international agreements and showcasing the League of Nations' ineffectiveness in maintaining peace.
The document discusses Italy's invasion of Abyssinia (now Ethiopia) under Mussolini, motivated by colonial ambitions and the desire for resources. The invasion, which began in 1935, was marked by significant war crimes and resulted in the annexation of Abyssinia, leading to a surge of nationalism in Italy but also economic challenges. Mussolini's foreign policy shifted dramatically, ultimately disregarding international agreements and showcasing the League of Nations' ineffectiveness in maintaining peace.
Original Description:
IB History: Move to Global War, Italian Aggression
The document discusses Italy's invasion of Abyssinia (now Ethiopia) under Mussolini, motivated by colonial ambitions and the desire for resources. The invasion, which began in 1935, was marked by significant war crimes and resulted in the annexation of Abyssinia, leading to a surge of nationalism in Italy but also economic challenges. Mussolini's foreign policy shifted dramatically, ultimately disregarding international agreements and showcasing the League of Nations' ineffectiveness in maintaining peace.
The document discusses Italy's invasion of Abyssinia (now Ethiopia) under Mussolini, motivated by colonial ambitions and the desire for resources. The invasion, which began in 1935, was marked by significant war crimes and resulted in the annexation of Abyssinia, leading to a surge of nationalism in Italy but also economic challenges. Mussolini's foreign policy shifted dramatically, ultimately disregarding international agreements and showcasing the League of Nations' ineffectiveness in maintaining peace.
● Now Ethiopia ● Mare nostrum reflected colonial ambitions, return to Roman Empire ● Abyssinia humiliated Italy in the first Italo-Ethiopian War ● Abyssinia had resources that Italy didn’t have and sorely needed ● If Abyssinia became part of Italy they could achieve autarky (be self-sufficient) ● Abyssinia was not industrialized, still had slavery, and underdeveloped infrastructures ● Mussolini thought this meant the invasion would result in a quick victory ● Fascism comes from fasces, a symbol from Ancient Rome that represented popular unity and military power
Abyssinian War:
● In 1934, Mussolini claimed he had been provoked after 30 Italians were killed in Abyssinia ● Mussolini demanded an apology and compensation ● Abyssinian Emperor demanded an investigation by the League of Nations ● Mussolini instructed his armies to achieve a “total conquest” of Abyssinia ● September of 1935 = full scale invasion of Ethiopia launched, amassing an army of 500 thousand soldiers ● Britain and France stayed out of the conflict, trying to uphold the Stresa conference ● Britain helped get the League of Nations to sanction Italy (which prompted Italy to trade more with Germany) ● Italian forces took Addis in May of 1936 ● Abyssinian emperor fled = Abyssinia annexed
Immediate Repercussions for Italy:
● Abyssinian conquest revitalized soldiers and the general Italian public
● Surge of nationalism ● Conquering Abyssinia was much more about Mussolini’s dreams than practicality
Italian War Crimes:
● Italy made use of chemical gas and bombing planes
● Abyssinian soldiers were not prepared or equipped ● Direct violation of the Geneva Convention!!! ● Despite these violations, all the League mustered were “limited sanctions” ● Bombed civilians ● Immediate partisan resistance followed Italian colonial occupation Aftereffects:
● Mussolini integrated racist foreign policy into his domestic policy
● Banned books that showed mixed couples ● Most white Italians had no problem with these changes ● Italian currency was further devalued ● Economy majorly challenged (war costs grossly undervalued) ● League of Nations shown as incapable to properly peace keep
Foreign Policy:
● Took power in 1922
● Mussolini deviated from previous Italian diplomatic tendencies ● Many western leaders appreciated Mussolini for his anti-communism and socialism ● Mussolini had a friendly relationship with the British Foreign Minister, Austen Chamberlain which helped him make more diplomatic allies in Europe
Economic issues + responses:
● Italy was struggling economically due to Great Depression
● Industry went down, unemployment, overvaluing of currency ● Mussolini centralized economic power ● Created largest public sector in Europe (minus USSR) ● By end of 1930s, government controlled 20% of companies ● Wages were down and so were spirits ● He had to redirect attention to avoid facing consequences and being booted from his role
Foreign policy:
● Italy prevent Austrian unification with Germany
● Germany was breaking Treaty of Versailles ● Italy, GBR, and France signed a treaty in 1935 (Stresa conference) that guaranteed peace and soldier the spirit of Locarno ● Mussolini thought getting closer to Germany would scare GB and France into supporting Italy’s expansion ● He then ignored the Stress agreement out the window and invaded Abyssinia
