oct 3, 1935 - Italy invades Abyssinia

Description:

the first time Musso's Italy went to war,
marks a big shift in Musso's foreign policy:
from maintaining peace and presenting himself as a respectable politician,
to an aggressive stance set on creating an Italian empire

from this point on Musso is basically in a perpetual state of war

Musso invaded Ethiopia for the following reasons:
- establish an Italian empire
- boost his prestige / win over internal support
- distract ppl from the effects of the Great Depression w/ a quick, easy victory
- conquer living space (Spazio Vitale)
- revenge for Adowa
- Fascist militarist ideology

the reasons for why Musso went to war only now are the following:
- the Great Depression discouraged UK and France from upholding Collective Security, so Musso could attack w/out consequence
- confirmation of the above at Stresa
- impress Hitler

Italy drew up plans to invade Ethiopia already in 1932,
conflict became inevitable in December 1934 when the forces of the two countries clashed in the Wal Wal oasis

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