3 Okt 1935 Jahr - Abyssinia Crisis

Beschreibung:

Goals:
- To consolidate Mussolini's cult of personality

- To rally support behind the regime

- To become an imperialist power

- To gain raw materials, markets, and living space

- To enhance military force with local troops

Prior to 1934
- 1923, Italy backed Abyssinia entering league of nations

- 1928, Italy signed treaty of friendship with Abyssinia

- 1929, Italy drew up annexation plans

- 1932, Italy drew up invasion plans

After 1934
- 1934, Italian and Abyssinian forces clashed over disputed Wal Wal oasis
- 30 Italians were killed

- Mussolini demanded compensation but the League was called to asses the situation by Abyssinia

- September 1935, Mussolini invaded

- October 1935, Mussolini captured Adowa, which they had been defeated at in 1896

- Tensions between Italy and Britain/France rose in the Mediterranean
- Agreement to give Italy half of Abyssinia to end the war was drawn up by Britain and France but leaked and stoped due to public disapproval

- 1936, Italy officially annexed Abyssinia
- Used for propaganda and boosted nationalist feeling

Results of the war:
- Support for the regime boosted
- Pre-war goals satisfied

- Created a large budget deficit (quintupled)

- Guerrilla war fought inside Abyssinia by Italy until it was lost in 1941

- Italy gained reputation for brutality
- Good relations between Italy and Britain/France worsened
- Good relations between Italy and Germany started (Italy didn't mind Anschluss)