Abyssinie - Les Forces Faschiste feront trembler les 5 continents Circa 1935

This striking circa 1935 propaganda poster, created by W. Seghers, reflects the intense political climate surrounding Italy’s imperial ambitions in Africa, specifically its controversial invasion of Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia) under Benito Mussolini’s Fascist regime. Positioned as both a map and a visual declaration of power, the poster merges cartographic precision with overt ideological messaging.

At its core, the design centers on a vivid geopolitical map of the Horn of Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East, boldly delineating colonial territories and marking them with national flags. Abyssinia is highlighted in yellow, a clear focal point of Italy’s expansionist gaze, surrounded by French, British, and other colonial interests. Above the map, the poster presents a photographic image of Mussolini, saluting triumphantly, overseeing a sea of Fascist soldiers—an image meant to evoke discipline, unity, and martial might.

The text, in Dutch and French, reinforces the poster’s multilingual appeal, likely targeting audiences in both Belgium and broader Europe, asserting:

“Les forces fascistes feront trembler les cinq continents – Vous conquerrez et posséderez l’Abyssinie!”
(“The fascist forces will make the five continents tremble – You will conquer and possess Abyssinia!”)
This statement boldly broadcasts Mussolini’s vision of Italy as a dominant global power.

In dramatic juxtaposition, the lower left features a portrait of Haile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia, representing defiance and sovereignty in the face of invasion. Below him, a cavalry scene and the Ethiopian tricolor evoke national pride, yet are surrounded by imperialist iconography, suggesting a looming siege by the militarized machine of fascism.

This poster is not merely propaganda—it is a geopolitical artifact encapsulating Italy’s colonial propaganda during the Second Italo-Ethiopian War (1935–1936). It serves as both a threat and a boast, a visualization of fascist ambition amid the broader tensions of pre-World War II Europe and Africa. Today, it stands as a chilling reminder of the role of visual media in justifying aggression and shaping imperialist narratives during the interwar years.

Politics - Colony - Fascism - Italy - Africa - Ethiopia

Hailé Selassie I - Patria

Printed in Antwerpen

Good condition, creases