The Italian-Ethiopian Conflict

The short‑lived, brutal Italian‑Ethiopian War exposed the nature of Italian Fascism and the rise of Mussolini, who was hailed by the anti‑Communist world for his effective rule until his imperial ambitions led him to invade Ethiopia—an event that paved the way toward World War II. After Japan invaded the Dutch East Indies, President Roosevelt cut off American oil supplies and imposed an embargo. In early November 1941, General Tojo presented two peace offers to the United States, threatening war if they were declined. The U.S. rejected both, and a day later—on December 7, 1941—Japan launched the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.