Italie Abyssinie
- Title:
- Italie Abyssinie
- Alternate Title:
- Italie Abyssinie
- Collection:
- Persuasive Maps: PJ Mode Collection
- Agent:
- Seghers, W.
- Agent 2:
- Patria, NV, Antwerp, publisher
- Date:
- 1935
- Posted Date:
- 2024-04-25
- ID Number:
- 2394.01
- File Name:
- PJM_2394_01.jpg
- Style/Period:
- 1920 - 1939
- Subject:
- Between the Wars
Imperialism
Other War & Peace
Satirical - Measurement:
- 61 x 55 on sheet 84 x 58 (centimeters, height x width)
- Notes:
- At first glance, this poster map appears to be a typical product of Italian fascism in the mid-1930s, a boastful view of that nation’s triumphs in Africa. A large image of a belligerent Mussolini at the top towers over a map of East Africa, above a smaller figure of Abyssinian Emperor Haile Selassie in an almost comical crown.
In fact, this poster is not an Italian product at all. It was created by a Belgian mapmaker, produced in Antwerp by a Belgian publisher, with text in Dutch and French, the two languages of Belgium. It was likely produced during the long period in the spring and summer of 1935 when Mussolini repeatedly threatened war, and Haile Selassie sought in vain to enlist the League of Nations on his behalf. (The map is plainly prewar: the Italian flag flies elsewhere in East Africa, but not in Abyssinia.) Mussolini looks like a bully, and his words to Italian troops give no doubt as to his intentions: “Fascist forces will shake the five continents. You will conquer and possess Abyssinia.” Haile Selassie’s words are quite different: “I want peace and will submit to the decision of the League of Nations.”
The text under Mussolini’s quote says that it came from a speech he gave to Italian troops “at Eboli, near Naples.” On July 6, 1935, according to The New York Times, Mussolini flew secretly by seaplane from Rome to the Bay of Salerno (near Naples and only 15 miles from Eboli) and “made surprise visits to several points” to address troops about to embark for Africa. The trip was kept “a closely guarded secret . . . probably [because] he did not want foreign journalists along to take notes on the speeches with which he fired the ardor of the departing troops. . . . in more than one place amid scenes of great enthusiasm.” New York Times, July 7, 1935, p.6. The Italian invasion of Abyssinia did not begin until October 3, 1935.
Cornell University Library is pleased to present this digital collection of Persuasive Maps, the originals of which have been collected and described by the private collector PJ Mode. The descriptive information in the “Collector’s Notes” has been supplied by Mr. Mode and does not necessarily reflect the views of Cornell University. - Format:
- Image
- Rights:
- For important information about copyright and use, see http://persuasivemaps.library.cornell.edu/copyright.