Section 3: The move to global war

Read sources I to L in the source booklet and answer the questions 9 to 12 on the question paper. The
sources and questions relate to case study 2: German and Italian Expansion (1933-1940) Event: Impact
of fascism on the foreign policies of Italy (specifically, the invasion of Abyssinia).

9 (a) According to Source I, what does empire/colonialism/imperialism mean to fascists? [3]

(b) What is the message conveyed by Source L? [2]

10. With reference to its origin, purpose and content, analyse the value and limitations of
Source K for an historian studying the impact of fascism on the foreign policy of Italy
(1933-1940). [4]

11. Compare and contrast the views expressed in Sources I and J about the reasons for Italy’s
invasion of Abyssinia in 1935. [6]

12. Using the sources and your own knowledge, evaluate to what extent the ideology of
fascism was the driving factor behind Italy’s decision to invade Abyssinia in 1935. [9]
Section 3: The Move To Global War

Read sources I to L below and answer questions 9 to 12 in the accompanying question paper. The
sources and questions relate to case study 2: German and Italian Expansion (1933-1940) Event: Impact
of fascism on the foreign policies of Italy (specifically, the invasion of Abyssinia).

Source I Mussolini, “What is Fascism?” published in the Italian Encyclopedia (1932).

For Fascism, the growth of empire, that is to say the expansion of the nation, is an essential
manifestation of vitality [strong, vibrant life], and its opposite a sign of decadence [waste, decay]. Peoples which
are rising, or rising again after a period of decadence, are always imperialist; and renunciation [disagreeing
with the idea of expansion or empire] is a sign of decay and of death. Fascism is the doctrine best adapted to
represent the tendencies and the aspirations of a people, like the people of Italy, who are rising again
after many centuries of abasement [being brought low] and foreign servitude. But empire demands discipline,
like the coordination of all forces and a deeply felt sense of duty and sacrifice: this fact explains many
aspects of the…necessarily severe measures which must be taken against those who would oppose this
spontaneous and inevitable movement of Italy in the twentieth century, and would oppose it by
recalling the outworn ideology of the nineteenth century.

Source J Excerpt from a history book called Italian Fascism, 1919-1945 by Philip Morgan, a British
historian, (1995).

The worst point of the Depression was 1932, when planning for an invasion [of Abyssinia] was started.
But the economy was beginning to recover during 1934. That recovery was certainly aided by the
government’s war-related commissions and contracts, which began to flow in late 1934 and early 1935,
coinciding with and consequent on [dependent upon] Mussolini’s decision to invade…Preparation for war
undoubtedly had an impact on employment, which by the spring of 1935 was down 250 000
[unemployed workers] from 1934. Some sectors benefited hugely from mobilisation [troops getting outfitted
and prepared for war], the war itself and colonial administration, [especially]…those supplying arms, clothing
equipment, transportation and other logistical services for the war effort and running of the empire.

Source K Speech by Benito Mussolini, 2 October 1935 regarding the invasion of Abyssinia.

It is not only an army marching towards its goal, but it is forty-four million Italians marching in unity
behind this army. Because the blackest of injustices is being attempted against them, that of taking
from them their place in the sun. When in 1915 Italy threw in her fate with that of the Allies, how many
cries of admiration, how many promises were heard? But after the common victory, which cost Italy six
hundred thousand dead, four hundred thousand lost, one million wounded, when peace was being
discussed around the table only the crumbs of a rich colonial booty [treasure taken in warfare] were left for us
to pick up. For…years we have been patient while the circle tightened around us at the hands of those
who wish to suffocate us.
Source L Lady Justice of the League of Nations looks at a chair (the “throne of justice”) entitled
“International Law and Order”. On the throne sits three monkeys named “See no Abyssinia”, “Hear no
Abyssinia”, and “Speak no Abyssinia”. The cartoon is by British cartoonist David Low, published in the
British newspaper, The Evening Standard, July 24, 1935.