Abyssinia Crisis

Mussolini Comes to Power Italy fought with the Allies in WWI but were disappointed with the small amount of territory they received in the peace settlements of Saint Germain. Italy fought with the Allies in WWI but were disappointed with the small amount of territory they received in the peace settlements of Saint Germain. There was widespread socialist agitation and Italy’s economy was faltering. The upper classes feared widespread socialist violence and strikes There was widespread socialist agitation and Italy’s economy was faltering. The upper classes feared widespread socialist violence and strikes Mussolini had been the editor of a socialist newspaper, but convinced that socialism would not work he formed the Fascist Party instead Mussolini had been the editor of a socialist newspaper, but convinced that socialism would not work he formed the Fascist Party instead

Mussolini Comes to Power Mussolini’s Fascists believed in a strong state without class conflict. In Fascism, individual freedoms can be sacrificed if that is better for the nation in the long run. Fascists had the support of the military and the upper classes, as well as much popular support among the people. Mussolini’s Fascists believed in a strong state without class conflict. In Fascism, individual freedoms can be sacrificed if that is better for the nation in the long run. Fascists had the support of the military and the upper classes, as well as much popular support among the people. Mussolini’s fascist thugs called Blackshirts disrupted socialist rallies. By 1922 there was widespread violence in Italy. Mussolini’s fascist thugs called Blackshirts disrupted socialist rallies. By 1922 there was widespread violence in Italy. In October 1922, Mussolini and his Blackshirts marched on Rome and he was made Prime Minister. Over the next 10 years, Italy became a Fascist Dictatorship as Mussolini’s Blackshirts destroyed all opposition. In October 1922, Mussolini and his Blackshirts marched on Rome and he was made Prime Minister. Over the next 10 years, Italy became a Fascist Dictatorship as Mussolini’s Blackshirts destroyed all opposition.

Abyssinia Crisis After the Great Depression, Mussolini wanted to distract his people from their economic woes by some foreign policy gain. After the Great Depression, Mussolini wanted to distract his people from their economic woes by some foreign policy gain. Italy already had 3 colonies in North Africa, neighbouring Abyssinia was a weak and easy target. Italy already had 3 colonies in North Africa, neighbouring Abyssinia was a weak and easy target. In Italy invaded and easily overran the country. Aircraft dropping poison gas were a feature of the campaign. In Italy invaded and easily overran the country. Aircraft dropping poison gas were a feature of the campaign.

Response to the Crisis Abyssinian Emperor Haile Selassie complained to the League who arranged sanctions. Abyssinian Emperor Haile Selassie complained to the League who arranged sanctions. Oil was not on the embargo list and the sanctions did not seriously affect Italy. Oil was not on the embargo list and the sanctions did not seriously affect Italy. Meanwhile France and Britain secretly try to arrange a compromise called the Hoare-Laval Pact where Italy was to be given 2/3 of Abyssinia. The deal leaks and is cancelled. Hoare is sacked. Meanwhile France and Britain secretly try to arrange a compromise called the Hoare-Laval Pact where Italy was to be given 2/3 of Abyssinia. The deal leaks and is cancelled. Hoare is sacked. Mussolini pulled Italy out of the League Mussolini pulled Italy out of the League