On the morning of 3rd October 1935, Italian forces crossed into Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia), signalling the start of the second Italian-Abyssinian (Italo-Ethiopian) war. Lasting from 1935 to 1936, it demonstrated the ineffectiveness of the League of Nations, which is often seen as an early indicator of World War II.

Benito Mussolini (1883-1945) wished to claim all the East African countries. Abyssinia defeated Italy during their previous attempt in 1896, which resulted in over 6,000 deaths. Both countries were members of the League of Nations, an organisation set up to settle disputes among nations following the first World War, when called upon to assist the situation, the League of Nations refused. Ultimately, this set Italy and Abyssinia on course for another conflict.

About 650,000 Italian soldiers invaded Abyssinia equipped with modern military equipment, including tanks and artillery. Abyssinian fighters lacked formal training but put up a good fight against their enemies. Gradually, Italy made progress, forcing Emperor Haile Selassie (1892-1975) to escape to exile in Bath, England, on 2nd May 1936. A few days later, Italy invaded the capital, Addis Ababa, and announced the annexation of the territory of Ethiopia. Italian King Victor Emmanuel III (1869-1947) was proclaimed emperor and the provinces of Eritrea, Italian Somaliland and Abyssinia were united to form the Italian province of East Africa.

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