5. The Italian Invasion of Ethiopia (1935-1936)
In October 1935, Italian forces under Benito Mussolini invaded Ethiopia, aiming to establish a colonial empire in Africa. The campaign was marked by the extensive use of chemical weapons, including mustard gas, against Ethiopian soldiers and civilians. International condemnation was swift, but the League of Nations’ sanctions were largely ineffective, as they excluded critical resources like oil. The invasion resulted in Ethiopia’s annexation, leading to significant loss of life and hindering the nation’s development for years. (britannica.com)
