What sparked the Italian invasion of Abyssinia in 1935?

The Italian invasion of Abyssinia in 1935 was primarily sparked by a dispute at Wal Wal, which was a border clash between Italian and Ethiopian forces. Located near the border of Italian Somaliland and Abyssinia, the Wal Wal incident involved the deaths of several soldiers from both sides, which was exploited by Mussolini as a pretext for launching a full-scale invasion.

This border dispute allowed Mussolini to assert Italian imperial ambitions in Africa and present himself as a defender of Italian honor. It is important to note that the Wal Wal incident took place against the backdrop of Italy's broader desire to expand its colonial holdings and reassert itself as a major European power. Thus, the conflict at Wal Wal catalyzed Italy's military aggression, leading to a military invasion predicated on national pride and imperial aspirations.

While other options such as direct conflict with Britain, international pressure from the League of Nations, and treaties with Ethiopia may have played roles in the complex geopolitical landscape, the immediate catalyst for the invasion was undeniably the confrontation at Wal Wal.