The Italo-Ethiopian War, fought from 1935 to 1936, was a conflict between Italy and Ethiopia. Italy, under the leadership of dictator Benito Mussolini, sought to expand its colonial empire in Africa. The war began with a surprise invasion, and despite Ethiopia's resistance, the Italian forces used modern military technology, including chemical weapons, to gain the upper hand. The conflict ended with the capture of the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, in May 1936. This led to the establishment of Italian East Africa, which combined Ethiopia with Eritrea and Somalia. The war was significant as it highlighted the failures of the League of Nations to prevent aggression.