Question

With reference to the aggressive foreign policies of Italy and Japan, explain how the following events made war more likely and worldwide in scope:

 Italy’s invasion of Abyssinia.

Aggressive nationalism of Italy and Germany was responsible for many acts of violence which eventually led to the Second World War. In this context explain:

Italy’s invasion of Abyssinia in 1935.

Answer 1

1. Italy’s Invasion of Abyssinia (1935) was a key example of aggressive nationalism and one of the events that made war more likely and global in scope.
2. Under the leadership of Benito Mussolini, Italy sought to establish a colonial empire in Africa to boost national prestige, provide an outlet for overpopulation, and distract from domestic problems. Because Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia) was the only independent African state and had a poorly equipped military, it became an easy target.
3. Although Italy had initially joined the Stresa Front with Britain and France in 1935 to uphold European stability and resist German aggression, relations deteriorated after Britain signed a naval agreement with Germany without consulting its allies. This shift encouraged Mussolini to act independently.
4. Italy invaded Abyssinia in October 1935, defying the League of Nations, which imposed limited sanctions.
5. However, the League failed to act decisively; key resources like oil were excluded from the embargo, and no military action was taken. This failure exposed the League’s weakness and undermined international collective security.
6. The war, commonly referred to as the “Rape of Ethiopia”, persisted until 1936, demonstrating the impunity of aggressive powers. It drew Italy closer to Nazi Germany, paving the way for the Rome-Berlin Axis and frequently regarded as a prelude to World War II.