Lec 10 2/10 Background to Scipio Africanus

Fascism & Cineam (ii)

Imperialism under Fascism

Italy's drive for conquest and colonization driven by a perceived national imperative to establish power and identity as a great power.

Spazio vitale

A principle tied to demographic politics advocating for a vital space for a nation's population, particularly under fascism.

Italian Imperialism Before Mussolini

Refers to Italy's imperial pursuits before Mussolini, characterized by sporadic and rationalized efforts even as a latecomer to European imperialism.

Africana Orientale Italiana

The Italian Province of East Africa, which included Italian Somalia, Italian Eritrea, and Ethiopia after 1936.

Racism and Imperialism

Mussolini’s ideology viewed Africans as inferior, which spurred a desire to exploit African territories, particularly Ethiopia.

Facetta Nera and Amore Nero

Cultural items of the mid-30s that Mussolini banned, reflecting the regime's attempt to maintain a racially pure imperialist image.

Battle of Adwa

The significant 1896 confrontation where Italians were defeated by Ethiopian forces, resulting in national humiliation for Italy.

Ethiopia's geopolitical significance

Considered not economically significant yet symbolically vital as the only African country not under colonial control, driving Italian ambitions.

'Laboratory for Fascism'

Concept used to describe the Ethiopian war as a testing ground for fascist military and ideological strategies.

Mussolini's political calculation

His belief that Britain would not risk war for Ethiopia, reflecting his dismissive attitude towards the Ethiopian struggle.

League of Nations' failure

The ineffective response to Ethiopia's plea against Italian aggression, resulting in Italy's withdrawal from the League and closer ties with Germany.