Option B: Twentieth century topic Why did Mussolini invade Abyssinia? Study the Background Information and the sources carefully, and then answer all parts of Question 2. Background Information One of the most serious challenges to the authority of the League of Nations was Italy's invasion of Abyssinia that began on 3 October 1935. For Mussolini, Abyssinia seemed an obvious choice. It was one of the few countries in Africa not under European control, it was located beside the Italian colonies of Somaliland and Eritrea, and its borders were not clearly defined. Some historians have argued that Mussolini wanted to build a great Italian empire and that he saw his mission as bringing civilisation to what he regarded as a barbaric country. Did Mussolini invade Abyssinia because he thought he was bringing civilisation to Abyssinia? SOURCE A One motivation for Mussolini's invasion of Abyssinia came from the state of affairs in Italy. It was far behind Britain and France economically, it was over-populated and there had been massive emigration to the United States. Italians asked, why should they not settle in Italian possessions overseas and thereby contribute to the developing and civilising of those areas? Abyssinia was suitable for settlement and economic development. These social and economic motivations were, however, superficial. The basic motivations were psychological. It was considered unfair that Italy had not been properly rewarded for its contribution to the Allied victory in 1918. The vast empires of Britain and France were expanded, while the small Italian empire was not. However, Mussolini's personal motivation was part of this. It was not that there was active opposition to him in Italy, it was rather that he wanted a triumph and glory for Italy and for himself. He wanted war not so much for the fruits of victory as for its own sake and he felt confident there would be no opposition from the League of Nations. From an article about Mussolini. SOURCE В Confident that the League would do nothing, Mussolini began to plan a conquest of Abyssinia that would provide Italy with revenge. The defeat that Italy suffered at the Battle of Adowa in 1896 was a stain on the national character that needed to be destroyed. It would also mean Italy avenging the injustices of the peace treaties. Mussolini tried to win over Italians to the idea by speaking of Italy's mission to help Abyssinia progress from its primitive state. More importantly, it was no accident that Mussolini started to prepare for the invasion at the time of the Depression. Abyssinia was poor and remote and was not a source of raw materials nor a market for Italy's manufactured goods. But Mussolini did need to turn the attention of Italians away from the dreadful state of their own country. He was always anxious that a people suffering economic hardship might overthrow him. He saw he could channel internal frustration into external violence. He also thought that Abyssinia would provide living space for a population he was encouraging to expand, as well as reducing unemployment by sending men off to fight. From a recent history book. SOURCE C Twenty million Italians are at this moment gathered in town squares all over Italy. It is the greatest demonstration that human history records. Twenty million, one heart alone, one decision. It is not only an army marching towards its goal, it is millions of Italians marching in unity behind this army. Because the blackest of injustices is being attempted against them, that of taking from them their place in the sun. When in 1915 Italy threw in its fate with that of the Allies, how many promises were heard? But when peace was discussed, we gained practically no territory. We have been patient. The League of Nations dares talk of sanctions but I refuse to believe that the people of Britain will want to send Europe into a catastrophe for the sake of a barbarian country, unworthy of ranking among civilised nations. From Mussolini's speech, 2 October 1935. It was communicated to the Italian people by radio. SOURCE D The problem of Italian–Abyssinian relations has very recently shifted from being a diplomatic one to one which can be solved by force only. Our aims are the complete destruction of the Abyssinian army and the total conquest of Abyssinia. In no other way can we build the Empire. The faster our action, the less likely will be the danger of diplomatic complications. There will be no need for a declaration of war and we must always emphasise the purely defensive nature of our actions. No one in Europe would raise any difficulties if we complete our operations quickly. It would be enough to declare to Britain and France that their interests would be recognised. A memorandum from Marshal Badoglio to Mussolini, December 1934. Badoglio was head of the Italian army and led the Italian forces in Abyssinia during 1935–36. SOURCE E There is no question of territorial conquests, but a natural expansion which ought to lead to a collaboration between Italy and the peoples of Africa. Italy can bring civilisation to Africa and our position in the Mediterranean gives us this right and imposes this duty on us. We do not intend to demand privileges, but we do ask that they should not block the spiritual, political and economic expansion of Fascist Italy. Mussolini to the Grand Council of Fascism, 1 August 1935. The Council controlled all parts of the Italian government. SOURCE F [Figure 10] A cartoon published in Britain, 3 April 1936. The caption read 'PAH! THEY WERE UNCIVILIZED SAVAGES, WITHOUT IDEALS.'