How did the Ethiopian conquest affect Mussolini’s popularity in Italy?

The conquest of Ethiopia was a significant event for the regime of Benito Mussolini, marking what was likely the peak of his public popularity in Italy.1

The war was widely popular both within Italy and among Italians living abroad, particularly in the Italian American community. By successfully establishing an empire, Mussolini fulfilled long-standing imperialist ambitions and provided a sense of national achievement that resonated with many citizens. This period of colonial expansion coincided with the time when the Fascist regime enjoyed its maximum support.231

However, this popularity was bolstered by state-controlled propaganda, which depicted the Ethiopian people as backward and portrayed the Italian military as a "civilizing" force. While the conquest was celebrated at the time, it also led to diplomatic isolation and international sanctions by the League of Nations, which ultimately contributed to the regime's later economic struggles and its shift toward a closer, more ruinous alliance with Adolf Hitler.214