Final answer:
Mussolini sought to expand into Egypt to strengthen Italy's empire, control strategic assets like the Suez Canal, and confirm fascist ideals of national grandeur. Despite initial setbacks, the move was an essential part of Italy's wartime strategy and ideological ambitions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Inspired by a mythic past and aiming to make Italy great again, Benito Mussolini wanted to establish a strong military presence that would enable Italy to dominate the Mediterranean. His vision for Italy involved reconstructing a grand Italian Empire, mirroring the ancient Roman Empire's power and influence. The invasion of Egypt from Libya in September 1940 was part of his broader ambition to expand Italy's African territories, threatening the British, who had interests in the region. The Suez Canal was of particular interest as it was a critical route to Middle Eastern oil, vital for wartime efforts.
The advance into Egypt was also influenced by the need to bolster Italy's position against potential communist spread and to demonstrate the nation's newly acquired strength under fascist rule. Anticipated as a quick victory, the campaign, however, revealed weaknesses, forcing Germany to support its Italian ally by sending Erwin Rommel and the Afrika Korps. Mussolini's imperialistic pursuits were fundamental to the fascist ideology that valued martial grandeur and aggressive territorial expansion as a means to promote national unity and strength.