May 9, 1936: Italy formally annexes Ethiopia after taking the capital Addis Ababa on May 5.

Fueled by a desire to revive Italy's colonial past and establish an empire, Mussolini ordered the invasion of Ethiopia in October 1935. Despite Emperor Haile Selassie's valiant efforts to modernize his military, was no match for the superior firepower and chemical weapons employed by the Italian forces.

By May 5th, 1936, Italian troops under General Pietro Badoglio had captured Addis Ababa, forcing Emperor Haile Selassie into exile.

The Italian occupation of Ethiopia was marked by violence and oppression. The use of chemical weapons, massacres of civilians, and ruthless suppression of dissent characterized this dark period.

The League of Nations condemned Italy's aggression, but ultimately failed to take any effective action to stop the invasion.

Despite the occupation, Ethiopians continued to resist Italian rule from the mountains. Emperor Haile Selassie eventually returned with British support in 1941, driving out the Italians.