Mussolini’s Use of Fascism and Italy’s Invasion Of Ethiopia in 1935 By: Christopher Reed Sean Lyon

Benito Mussolini Was born in Forli, Italy on July 29, 1883. After fleeing to Switzerland in 1902 to evade military duty he returned 2 years later. Mussolini described parliamentary democracy as unfit and believed for Italy to be successful they needed a dictator. First entered the Italian army in WWI and rose to the rank of Corporal. As a ruler of Italy he developed a movement called the “Fascist Movement”. Died on April 28, 1945 at the age of 61.

Fascism A form of extreme right-wing ideology that celebrates the nation or the race as an organic community transcending all other loyalties. Fascism is hostile to Marxism, liberalism, and conservatism, but it actually borrows concepts from all three. Mussolini used fascism throughout his time in power as an Italian prime minister. He led the National Fascist Party.

Mussolini’s use of Fascism Before Mussolini was prime minister, he had a growing number of fascists, over 250,000, while Prime Minister Giolitti was still in power. He used the fascists to gain 35 seats in the Parliament. He used the fascists to denounce Giolitti for supporting the League of Nations, to make him more unpopular and gain power for himself. After Giolitti resigned, Mussolini didn’t immediately take power, and other governments rose and failed. Eventually though, Mussolini became well known because he was a powerful figure, and spoke of restoring Italian power and increasing productivity.

Mussolini’s use of Fascism(cont) The left-wing government thought they were the only one who could stop the fascists, so they divided into a militia that they believed could stop the fascists. This strike gave Mussolini an opportunity, so he armed his fascists and took on the role of heroes as social order.’ Because the strike was poorly supported by the left-wing government, it was called off on the fourth day having given the fascists the praise of Italy’s middle classes. From the power Mussolini gained from fascists, he was invited to become prime minister of Italy.

Beginning of Invasion The war between Italy and Ethiopia began in 1895 and lasted for only one year. Emperor Menelik II signed a treaty with Italy, which was supposed to give him control over Eritrea, and part of the Red Sea. However, the formal Italian text established an Italian protectorate over Ethiopia, which Menelik discovered. The Ethiopians refusal to abide by the sneaky decision caused Italy to take military action.

During the War Italy finally invaded Ethiopia over the Marab River in December, 1894. Italy was alone while invading, but had modern technology. Ethiopia had many small allies, but their weaponry was far inferior to Italy’s. At first, Italy had great control over Ethiopia, but revolutions soon crippled Italian forces that were underestimating Ethiopian forces. The final blow was at the battle of Adwa, where the Ethiopians and allies threw everything they got at Italy, crushing them.

End of War After the battle of Adwa, the Italians lost between 9,500 and 12,000 men. This was the highest casualty rate than any other European battles of the 19th century. Menelik forced Italy to sign the Treaty of Addis Ababa, forcing Italy to recognize Ethiopian independence. Italy was virtually crushed by the Ethiopians.

Bibliography http://www.listal.com/viewimage/293195h McMillan, Peter. © Spartacus Educational Publishers Ltd, "Benito Mussolini." Accessed April 26, 2012. http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/2WWmussolini Bibliography Smitha, Frank. Macrohistory, "Mussolini and Fascism in Italy." Accessed April 26, 2012. http://www.fsmitha.com/h2/ch12.htm. Lyons, Mathew. Political Research Associates, "What is Fascism? Some General Ideological Features." Accessed April 26, 2012. http://www.publiceye.org/eyes/whatfasc.html.