... However Ethiopian resistance continued and Mussolini attempted to quash the people action such as the execution in February 1937 of 30,000, many of whom included the young and educated. This action failed to impress the Italian people and was heavily condemned by the Catholic Church. It was a clear display of true fascist principles, principles that were already apparent to the rest of the world: "Fascism was characterised as a regime of an uncivilised country which key features were best expressed by violence and illegality." (Mack Smith - Faye) More critically it demonstrated the impotence of the League of Nations, setting a precedent for future behaviour. Almost immediately after the Spanish Civil war commenced in October 1936. Fearing the spread of socialism and desiring fascist allies, Italy joined Germany in coming to the aid of Franco. It was a conflict that proved expensive and bloody, with very little to show. The popular ...

See this essay or coursework document in full right now