AQA · A-Level · History
Course version: 7042 · Version from Sept 2017
Mussolini and Empire: the invasion of Abyssinia and the conduct of the…
Full specification wording
2L Italy and Fascism, c1900–1945 – Fascist foreign policies, 1926–1940 (A-level only): Mussolini and Empire: the invasion of Abyssinia and the conduct of the war; the impact of the war on Mussolini’s popularity and prestige at home and abroad
Mussolini’s quest for Empire culminated in the 1935 invasion of Abyssinia, driven by fascist ideology.
Checked against the AQA 7042 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 4
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Mussolini’s quest for Empire culminated in the 1935 invasion of Abyssinia, driven by fascist ideology. The conduct of the war was notably brutal; Italian forces deployed mustard gas and committed atrocities against civilians to secure victory by May 1936. At home, the war generated immense popularity and prestige for Mussolini, marking the peak of fascist consensus. Italians rallied against League of Nations sanctions, famously donating wedding rings in the 'Gold for the Patria' campaign. Abroad, however, the invasion severely damaged Mussolini's prestige. It alienated Britain and France, exposed the weakness of the League, and catalysed Italy's fateful diplomatic realignment towards Hitler's Germany.
What earns the marks
- Explain the ideological and economic motivations behind Mussolini's drive for an African empire, including the desire for autarky and living space.
- Detail the ruthless conduct of the Abyssinian war, specifically the authorised use of chemical weapons and mass civilian reprisals.
- Analyse the domestic impact, noting how League of Nations sanctions were manipulated by fascist propaganda to create a surge in national unity.
- Evaluate the international consequences, particularly how the invasion destroyed the Stresa Front and pushed Italy into a closer relationship with Nazi Germany.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Claiming the invasion of Abyssinia was a purely defensive reaction to border skirmishes.
Put it right: Recognise that the Wal Wal incident was a pretext for a long-planned imperial expansion.
Stating that the League of Nations sanctions crippled the Italian war effort.
Put it right: Note that sanctions excluded vital resources like oil and coal, making them largely ineffective while boosting domestic support for the regime.
Assuming the war was universally popular abroad.
Put it right: Distinguish between the domestic propaganda success and the international outrage that alienated Britain and France.
Exam tips
- Use the phrase 'peak of consensus' when discussing Mussolini's domestic popularity in 1936 following the declaration of the empire.
- Link the conduct of the war, such as the use of poison gas, to the broader fascist glorification of violence and ruthlessness.
- Assess the long-term economic drain of occupying Abyssinia when evaluating the overall success of Mussolini's imperial policy.
Try the lesson
The start of the 2L Italy and Fascism, c1900–1945 – Fascist foreign policies, 1926–1940 (A-level only): Mussolini and Empire: the invasion of Abyssinia and the conduct of the war; the impact of the war on Mussolini’s popularity and prestige at home and abroad lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which of the following best describes the immediate impact of the successful invasion of Abyssinia in 1936 on Mussolini's domestic popularity?
Listen
Mussolini’s quest for Empire culminated in the 1935 invasion of Abyssinia, driven by fascist ideology. The conduct of the war was notably brutal; Italian forces deployed mustard gas and committed atrocities against civilians to secure victory by May 1936. At home, the war generated immense popularity and prestige for Mussolini, marking the peak of fascist consensus. Italians rallied against League of Nations sanctions, famously donating wedding rings in the 'Gold for the Patria' campaign. Abroad, however, the invasion severely damaged Mussolini's prestige. It alienated Britain and France, exposed the weakness of the League, and catalysed Italy's fateful diplomatic realignment towards Hitler's Germany. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explain the ideological and economic motivations behind Mussolini's drive for an African empire, including the desire for autarky and living space. Detail the ruthless conduct of the Abyssinian war, specifically the authorised use of chemical weapons and mass civilian reprisals. Analyse the domestic impact, noting how League of Nations sanctions were manipulated by fascist propaganda to create a surge in national unity. Evaluate the international consequences, particularly how the invasion destroyed the Stresa Front and pushed Italy into a closer relationship with Nazi Germany. A common slip: Claiming the invasion of Abyssinia was a purely defensive reaction to border skirmishes. Instead, recognise that the Wal Wal incident was a pretext for a long-planned imperial expansion. Exam tip: Use the phrase 'peak of consensus' when discussing Mussolini's domestic popularity in 1936 following the declaration of the empire.
See it
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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Test your understanding of 2L Italy and Fascism, c1900–1945 – Fascist foreign policies, 1926–1940 (A-level only): Mussolini and Empire: the invasion of Abyssinia and the conduct of the war; the impact of the war on Mussolini’s popularity and prestige at home and abroad
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