... the economy, popular consensus and a drive for economic self-sufficiency. Ultimately, Mussolini dreamed of the militarising of the state. The invasion of Abyssinia was directly influenced by Mussolini's pre-occupations with the autarky economy, popular consensus, Italian unity, and the cult of the Duce. Thus Mussolini's invasion of Abysinnia was not merely to strengthen the nation for the people's benefit, but for the benefit of the military state. For Mussolini, domestically the Abyssinian invasion would be a gauge that would test the country's metal and bind it. Moreover, if Abyssinia could strengthen Italy domestically then surely his international aims would become more realistic. Similar to Hitler and Stalin, the Duce enjoyed mythical cult status - embodied in national slogans like "Mussolini ha sempre ragione" and "Credere, ubbidire, combattere" - while fascist propaganda and state terror played their part in sustaining the regime in power. However, Mussolini's rule largely depended on ...

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