As an expert in historical studies, I'm well-versed in the intricacies of global conflicts and their impacts on the world stage. When it comes to the invasion of Ethiopia by Italy, this is a significant event that took place during the era of World War II, and it's often referred to as the Second Italo-Ethiopian War.
The invasion of Ethiopia by Italy is a complex event that is deeply rooted in the political ambitions of the time. It's important to note that the Italian invasion of Ethiopia was not a singular event but rather a culmination of a series of political and military maneuvers that were part of Italy's broader colonial ambitions in Africa. The invasion was a part of Italy's expansionist policy, which was driven by the Fascist regime under the leadership of Benito Mussolini, who sought to create a new Roman Empire, often referred to as a "New Italian Empire."
The actual invasion began in the 1930s, with the most notable military campaign taking place in 1935. The pretext for the invasion was a skirmish known as the Wal Wal Incident, which occurred on December 5, 1934. This incident involved a clash between Italian and Ethiopian forces near the border village of Wal Wal in the Ogaden region. The Wal Wal Incident resulted in casualties on both sides, with estimates ranging from 30 to 50 Italians and Somalis killed. This incident was used by Italy as a justification for its subsequent military actions and led to the "Abyssinia Crisis" at the League of Nations.
The League of Nations, an intergovernmental organization established after World War I to maintain world peace, took up the matter of the Wal Wal Incident. On September 4, 1935, the League of Nations exonerated both parties involved in the incident, failing to take a decisive stance against Italy's aggressive actions. This decision was seen as a significant failure of the League and is often cited as one of the factors that contributed to the outbreak of World War II.
The invasion itself was launched on October 3, 1935, when Italian forces, including troops and warplanes, crossed the border into Ethiopia from Eritrea and Italian Somaliland. The Italian military employed modern weaponry and tactics, including the use of poison gas, which was a violation of international law at the time. Despite Ethiopia's spirited resistance, including the famous Battle of Adwa, the Italian forces were able to occupy the capital city of Addis Ababa on May 5, 1936.
The invasion and subsequent occupation of Ethiopia had profound consequences for the country and the region. It led to the exile of Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie, who would later return with the help of Allied forces during World War II to reclaim his throne. The invasion also marked a significant moment in the history of European colonialism in Africa, as it was one of the last major attempts by a European power to expand its colonial holdings on the continent.
In summary, the invasion of Ethiopia by Italy was a pivotal event in the lead-up to World War II, reflecting the aggressive expansionist policies of the Fascist regime and the failure of the international community to prevent such acts of aggression. The invasion began with the military campaign on October 3, 1935, and the occupation lasted until Ethiopia's liberation during the Second World War.

read more >>

A border incident between Ethiopia and Italian Somaliland that December gave Benito Mussolini an excuse to intervene. Rejecting all arbitration offers, the Italians invaded Ethiopia on October 3, 1935.Apr 26, 2018read more >>