History SL
5
Chapters
187
Notes
Case study 1: Japanese Expansion In East Asia 1931-41 (The Global War)
Case Study 2: German & Italian Expansion 1933-40 (The Global War)
Part 1 - Rivalry, Mistrust & Accord (The Cold War)
Part 2 - Leaders & Nations (The Cold War)
Part 3 - Cold War Crises (The Cold War)
History SL
Case Study 2: German & Italian Expansion 1933-40 (The Global War)
Italy's Abyssinian Conquest: Unearthed Truths!
575 words
3 mins read
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024
Table of content
Background - abyssinia & italy
- Abyssinia (Ethiopia): Located between Italy's colonies of Eritrea and Somaliland.
- First Italo-Ethiopian War: Italy invaded Abyssinia in the late 19th century but was defeated in 1896 at the Battle of Adowa, a national humiliation for Italians.
- Haile Selassie: Became emperor of Abyssinia in 1930, ruling as an absolutist. He modeled the country’s constitution after Japan's and declared himself sacred. Selassie initiated modernization projects such as building railways and strengthened trade with Japan after the Great Depression.
Why italy invaded abyssinia
- Historical Factors: Mussolini, Italy's dictator, wanted to avenge the humiliation of the Battle of Adowa and establish an empire for Italy.
- Example: Imagine your favorite football team was defeated in a major match years ago. Now, with a strong team and an ambitious coach, they want to win against the same opponent to erase the past defeat.
- Economic Factors: Mussolini hoped Abyssinia would provide access to raw materials, markets, and new territory for Italy's growing population. Plans to attack were ready as early as 1929. Italy was also struggling economically due to the Great Depression.
- Example: Think of Abyssinia as a gold mine. Italy wanted to explore and extract resources from this mine to boost its economy and provide opportunities for its citizens.
- Political Factors: A successful invasion of Abyssinia would divert Italians' attention from their economic problems and solidify Mussolini’s image as a strong leader.
- Example: A politician promises to build a large amusement park in the city. The aim is to distract people from ongoing issues and make the politician look like a successful leader.
- The ‘Abyssinian’ Factor: Mussolini viewed Abyssinia's modernization efforts with suspicion. He feared that a modern Abyssinia could threaten Italy's colonies, Eritrea and Somaliland. Mussolini criticized Abyssinia’s feudalism and slavery.
- Example: Imagine a small business growing rapidly next to a larger business. The bigger business may feel threatened and take actions to keep the smaller business from becoming too powerful.
- International Factors: Mussolini believed that Britain and France would allow Italy to act freely in Abyssinia, as they wanted to maintain good relations with Italy due to German rearmament. Mussolini wanted to show Germany Italy's military strength.
- Example: A group of friends supports one of their own in a talent show, even if they know the friend might not be the best performer. They do so to strengthen their friendship and to show their unity to others.
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History SL
Case Study 2: German & Italian Expansion 1933-40 (The Global War)
Italy's Abyssinian Conquest: Unearthed Truths!
575 words
3 mins read
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024
Table of content
Background - abyssinia & italy
- Abyssinia (Ethiopia): Located between Italy's colonies of Eritrea and Somaliland.
- First Italo-Ethiopian War: Italy invaded Abyssinia in the late 19th century but was defeated in 1896 at the Battle of Adowa, a national humiliation for Italians.
- Haile Selassie: Became emperor of Abyssinia in 1930, ruling as an absolutist. He modeled the country’s constitution after Japan's and declared himself sacred. Selassie initiated modernization projects such as building railways and strengthened trade with Japan after the Great Depression.
Why italy invaded abyssinia
- Historical Factors: Mussolini, Italy's dictator, wanted to avenge the humiliation of the Battle of Adowa and establish an empire for Italy.
- Example: Imagine your favorite football team was defeated in a major match years ago. Now, with a strong team and an ambitious coach, they want to win against the same opponent to erase the past defeat.
- Economic Factors: Mussolini hoped Abyssinia would provide access to raw materials, markets, and new territory for Italy's growing population. Plans to attack were ready as early as 1929. Italy was also struggling economically due to the Great Depression.
- Example: Think of Abyssinia as a gold mine. Italy wanted to explore and extract resources from this mine to boost its economy and provide opportunities for its citizens.
- Political Factors: A successful invasion of Abyssinia would divert Italians' attention from their economic problems and solidify Mussolini’s image as a strong leader.
- Example: A politician promises to build a large amusement park in the city. The aim is to distract people from ongoing issues and make the politician look like a successful leader.
- The ‘Abyssinian’ Factor: Mussolini viewed Abyssinia's modernization efforts with suspicion. He feared that a modern Abyssinia could threaten Italy's colonies, Eritrea and Somaliland. Mussolini criticized Abyssinia’s feudalism and slavery.
- Example: Imagine a small business growing rapidly next to a larger business. The bigger business may feel threatened and take actions to keep the smaller business from becoming too powerful.
- International Factors: Mussolini believed that Britain and France would allow Italy to act freely in Abyssinia, as they wanted to maintain good relations with Italy due to German rearmament. Mussolini wanted to show Germany Italy's military strength.
- Example: A group of friends supports one of their own in a talent show, even if they know the friend might not be the best performer. They do so to strengthen their friendship and to show their unity to others.
Unlock the Full Content!
Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of History SL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟