Mussolini’s move to legitimize the fascist invasion and war crimes in Ethiopia

In 1935, fascist Italy, led by dictator Benito Mussolini, invaded Ethiopia. An act of aggression condemned by the international community and which led to the imposition of sanctions by the League of Nations. To counter these sanctions and strengthen popular consensus towards the war, the regime created the “Gold to the Homeland” campaign.

The “Gold to the Homeland” campaign was a real scam against the Italian people. Presented as a gesture of patriotic sacrifice, the collection of gold and silver, mainly wedding rings, actually served to finance fascist propaganda and hide war crimes committed by Italy in Ethiopia.

The sanctions imposed by the League of Nations had no significant impact on the financing of the war. The fascist regime had already planned and financed the conflict with other resources, such as state budgets and bank loans. The “Gold to the Fatherland” campaign, however, served to strengthen Mussolini’s image as a strong leader and patriot, and to present the war as a “necessity” for the Italian nation.

While the Italian people donated their wedding rings, believing they were contributing to the victory of their homeland, atrocities were taking place in Ethiopia. The Italian army used chemical weapons, such as mustard gas, against Ethiopian civilians, causing thousands of deaths and untold suffering. Rapes, pillages and massacres of entire villages were also committed. Three hundred thousand Ethiopians were killed.

Italian war crimes in Ethiopia were systematic and brutal. Despite clear evidence, the fascist regime vehemently denied the accusations and covered up the facts. Official propaganda presented Italians as liberating heroes and Ethiopians as savage barbarians, thus justifying violence and repression.

The “Gold to the Homeland” campaign was therefore a deceptive propaganda tool used by the fascist regime to hide its crimes and manipulate public opinion. While the Italian people were invited to sacrifice their assets for the “homeland”, a genocide was taking place in Ethiopia.

The memory of Italian war crimes in Ethiopia must not be forgotten. It is important to remember the victims and condemn the atrocities committed by the fascist regime. Only through truth and justice is it possible to build a better future.