Italy Invades Ethiopia in 1935
In 1935, Italy launched a military invasion of Ethiopia, marking the beginning of the Second Italo-Abyssinian War. The invasion was led by Italian troops under the command of General Emilio De Bono, with the intent of expanding Italy's colonial empire in Africa. This military aggression was justified by Mussolini's desire to create a new Roman Empire and to avenge Italy's defeat at the Battle of Adwa in 1896. The Ethiopian forces, under Emperor Haile Selassie, faced a well-equipped and modernized Italian army, which employed chemical weapons against the largely unarmed Ethiopian soldiers and civilians. The conflict would draw international attention and condemnation.
Italy sought revenge for prior defeat in 1896.
Chemical weapons were used against Ethiopian forces.
Emperor Haile Selassie led the Ethiopian resistance.
The invasion drew global condemnation and protests.
What Happened?
The Second Italo-Abyssinian War commenced when Fascist Italy, under Benito Mussolini, invaded Ethiopia in October 1935. This military campaign was driven by Italy's ambitions to consolidate its colonial holdings in Africa and to assert its power on the global stage. The Italian military, boasting advanced weaponry and a modernized approach, aimed to conquer Ethiopia quickly and decisively. The invasion began at the Walwal oasis, where skirmishes with Ethiopian troops escalated into a full-scale assault. Mussolini's regime sought to avenge past humiliations, particularly the defeat at the Battle of Adwa in 1896, which had thwarted Italy's earlier colonial ambitions in the region.The Ethiopian response was characterized by fierce resistance led by Emperor Haile Selassie. With limited resources and antiquated weaponry, Ethiopian forces rallied to defend their sovereignty against Italian invaders. Despite their bravery and tactics suited to guerrilla warfare, the Ethiopian army faced overwhelming challenges, including the use of poison gas by Italian troops. The conflict drew widespread attention and condemnation from various nations and international organizations, highlighting the growing tensions in the pre-World War II era.As the war progressed into 1936, the Italian military ultimately occupied Addis Ababa, successfully annexing Ethiopia. The invasion had catastrophic consequences for the Ethiopian population, resulting in significant casualties and furthering Italy's colonial ambitions. The war remains notable not only for the brutality of the conflict and the international response but also for the significance of resistance movements in African history.
Why Does it Matter?
The Second Italo-Abyssinian War is interesting because it illustrates the aggressive imperialism of European powers in Africa and the complexities of international diplomacy leading up to World War II. The invasion provoked widespread condemnation and highlighted the failures of the League of Nations in maintaining peace. This conflict also ignited Ethiopian nationalism and resistance, contributing to future movements against colonial rule across Africa. The war set a precedent for the use of chemical warfare and raised questions about human rights and international law in conflicts.