(A) ** Abyssinia was rich in natural resources. Italy’s economy was in a depression.
(B) Italy had ruled Abyssinia before so thought they had a stake to the country
(C) ** Invasion would be easy as Italy owned small colonies bordering Abyssinia i.e. Eritrea. He could launch attacks from there.
(D) ** He thought the LoN wouldn’t interfere as UK and France were concerned about Hitler. They wanted to keep Italy as an ally.
(E) Abyssinia was very close to Italy so easy to invade.
EXPLANATIONS BELOW
Concept note-1: -This was used as a rationale to invade Abyssinia. Mussolini saw it as an opportunity to provide land for unemployed Italians and also acquire more mineral resources to fight off the effects of the Great Depression.
Concept note-2: -Mussolini’s Rise to Power In 1918, he began to deliver emotional speeches, calling for a dictator to head the country. He argued that only a strong leader could unite the people to overcome Italy’s postwar mass unemployment, chaotic political party conflicts, and strikes by socialists and communists.
Concept note-3: -Mussolini’s rise to power can be attributed to two main features, Mussolini’s talent in journalism and his recognition of the importance of the media and sheer force of personality. Mussolini was born in Northern Italy in a town called, Dovia di Predappio.
Concept note-4: -Mussolini was increasingly convinced that society should organize itself not along lines of social class or political affiliation, but around a strong national identity. He believed that only a “ruthless and energetic” dictator could make a “clean sweep” of Italy and restore it to its national promise.