How did Mussolini's actions in Abyssinia affect Italy's relations with other nations?

Mussolini's invasion of Abyssinia (Ethiopia) in 1935 had a significant impact on Italy's diplomatic standing with other nations, particularly in how it strained relations with Britain and France and pushed Italy closer to Germany. The invasion alarmed many nations, who viewed it as an act of imperial aggression that contradicted the principles that underpinned collective security efforts in the 1930s.

Despite some initial support for Italy's ambitions, the response from Britain and France was largely negative. This reaction was demonstrated by their reluctance to support Italian expansionism, which they saw as a threat to the stability of the region. Rather than siding with Italy, they moved towards imposing sanctions against it, guided by their own interests in maintaining a balance of power.

Consequently, feeling isolated and betrayed by former allies, Mussolini turned toward Germany, forging a closer political and military alliance. This shift ultimately contributed to the formation of the Rome-Berlin Axis, solidifying the partnership between the fascist regimes of Italy and Germany.

The context around the other choices reinforces the correctness of this interpretation. While economic sanctions were indeed a part of the international response, they were not immediate or effective enough to change Mussolini's course of action significantly