Britain declares war to Italy. Britain kicks Italys sorry @$$!
Britain declares war to Italy. Britain kicks Italys sorry @$$!
Why would Italy invade?
Saudi Arabia was poor - major oil sites mostly hadn't been found yet. There was nothing to be gained for Italy, economically or politically.
By contrast, Ethiopia, while also somewhat resource-poor, had tremendous symbolic/political value - avenging Adowa was a big deal.
When did Britain's protectorate over the region end? They had one for some time in the 30s, I believe...
Otherwise, the British were allies to the Al Saud family, so that's why they'd declare war on Italy, if for any reason.
Why would UK go to war to defend Saudi? it's a poor country with nothing in it, and Italy is at that point a potentially valuable ally against the Nazis which the British and French have been trying to buy off with various territorial concessions in Africa.
Mussolini can even make a semi-plausible claim that he's invading to protect Islam's holy places (one of his titles is Protector of Islam), and to abolish slavery in the Arabian Pennisula.
Why would Italy invade?
Saudi Arabia was poor - major oil sites mostly hadn't been found yet. There was nothing to be gained for Italy, economically or politically.
By contrast, Ethiopia, while also somewhat resource-poor, had tremendous symbolic/political value - avenging Adowa was a big deal.
Because in 1936 there is exactly one reason to invade Arabia: as the beginning of a move to pincer the British out of Palestine and Transjordan and open Iraq up to invasion. It's a particularly STUPID way of doing so, but nonetheless that's the only possible reason to mount an invasion at all. Which means that the British will declare war, or failing that will simply close the Suez.
That's news to me...what did Fascist Italian dictator have anything to do with Islam?
loughery111
There's actually a simpler one which makes some sense and is even more likely to get Britain to declare war. If the Italians hold the western shore of Saudi and Erithria then they can threaten to block the Red Sea and hence traffic through the Suez Canal. Coupled with the fact that Italy has not the vaguest claim to Arabia that will make Britain very hostile to such a move.
Steve
That's news to me...what did Fascist Italian dictator have anything to do with Islam?
If the Italians hold the western shore of Saudi and Erithria then they can threaten to block the Red Sea and hence traffic through the Suez Canal.