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On June 10, 1940, Mussolini declared war on Britain and France, marking the beginning of Italy's aggressive expansion in North Africa. Autumn 1940 saw the deployment of 250,000 Italian troops into Libya and another 300,000 into Ethiopia, as Italy sought to reclaim lands and revive the glory of the Roman Empire. Under General Archibald Wavell, British forces faced the Italian advance, particularly the key movements led by Graziani from September 13-16, 1940. Mussolini aimed to distract British forces and engage them on multiple fronts, declaring that the goal was not territorial conquest but instead to confront the British militarily.
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June 10 1940, Mussolini declares war on Britain and France • Autumn 1940, Italy sends 250,000 troops into Libya, and another 300,000 into Ethiopia. • British forces led by GeneralArchibald Wavell placed the defence of the Egyptian border to a small screening force Italy’s desert campaign
Italian Advance Graziani’s advance, 13th-16thSeptember 1940
Why Italy invaded Win back land in North Africa Glory days of the Roman empire Wanted to engage the British on an extra front ‘Once again I repeat there are no territorial objectives. It is not a question of aiming for Alexandria nor even Sallum. I am only asking that you attack the British forces facing you.’ (Mussolini)
