Who won the Italian invasion of Ethiopia?

As an expert in modern history, I can provide a detailed account of the Italian invasion of Ethiopia, also known as the Second Italo-Ethiopian War, which took place in the mid-1930s. This conflict was a significant event in the lead-up to World War II and had profound implications for the nations involved as well as the international community. The Context of the Invasion The Italian Fascist regime under Benito Mussolini sought to expand its colonial empire and reassert its power in Africa. Ethiopia, an independent African nation at the time, was seen as a prime target for Italian expansion. Mussolini aimed to avenge the defeat Italy had suffered at the hands of the Ethiopians at the Battle of Adwa in 1896, which was a major blow to Italian prestige. The Prelude to War Tensions between Ethiopia and Italy were high due to border disputes and Italy's aggressive posturing. The incident in December 1934, which involved a clash between Ethiopian and Italian forces in the Walwal area of the Ogaden, provided Mussolini with a pretext to act. Italy rejected arbitration and began a military buildup along the Ethiopian border. The Invasion Begins On October 3, 1935, the Italian invasion of Ethiopia commenced. The Italian forces were well-equipped and had numerical superiority, with the use of modern weapons including poison gas, which was prohibited under international law but not yet a formal convention. Ethiopia, on the other hand, had a largely peasant army with outdated weapons and little ammunition. The Use of Chemical Weapons One of the most controversial aspects of the invasion was Italy's use of chemical weapons against Ethiopian troops and civilians. This had a devastating effect, causing numerous casualties and contributing to the Ethiopian forces' inability to mount an effective resistance. International Response The international community, including the League of Nations, condemned Italy's actions. However, the response was largely ineffectual due to the failure of major powers to enforce economic sanctions or provide military support to Ethiopia. The League of Nations did impose some sanctions on Italy, but these were not comprehensive and did little to deter the invasion. The Outcome of the Invasion Despite fierce Ethiopian resistance, particularly at the Battle of Amba Alagi and the efforts of Ethiopian leaders like Emperor Haile Selassie and General Dejazmatch Beyene, the Italian forces were able to occupy the capital, Addis Ababa, on May 5, 1936. This marked the end of Ethiopian independence for the time being, as Italy annexed Ethiopia and incorporated it into its East African colonial holdings. Long-Term Consequences The invasion had significant long-term consequences. It further exposed the weaknesses of the League of Nations and contributed to the growing disillusionment with the international community's ability to maintain peace. For Ethiopia, the occupation led to a period of repression and resistance, with the Ethiopian resistance eventually playing a role in the defeat of Italian forces during World War II. In conclusion, the Italian invasion of Ethiopia was a tragic chapter in history that resulted in the temporary loss of Ethiopian sovereignty and the use of chemical weapons in warfare. It also served as a precursor to the larger global conflict that would engulf the world just a few years later.

A border incident between Ethiopia and Italian Somaliland that December gave Benito Mussolini an excuse to intervene. Rejecting all arbitration offers, the Italians invaded Ethiopia on October 3, 1935.Apr 26, 2018