2.3.3 Invasion of Abyssinia 1935 Flashcards
Causes of the Abyssinian Crisis (6)
Mussolini wanted to invade Abyssinia in Africa for a number of reasons:
- He wanted to rebuild the Roman Empire, by invading other countries
- There were lots of natural resources in Abyssinia, which would be useful for Italy during the Depression
- In 1896, Italy had tried to invade Abyssinia and was humiliated when this poor country defeated them - Mussolini wanted revenge
- He was confident that the League would not stop him as they had backed down to him before , during the Corfu crisis in 1923
- In 1935, Britain and France signed an agreement with Italy to form the Stresa Front. Mussolini did not think Britain or France would endanger the new agreement by trying to stop him in Abyssinia
- Italy had neighbouring colonies in Africa
Describe how the Stresa Front may have made Mussolini more confident in his invasion
In 1935, Great Britain and France signed the Stresa Front with Mussolini. This treaty stated that all 3 countries would join forces against Hitler if he attacked them. Mussolini saw this as a green light to do as he wished and he invaded Abyssinia. Mussolini did not think Britain and France would endanger the new agreement by trying to stop him in Abyssinia; he thought if British and France were scared of Hitler, then they would let him do whatever he wanted
What happened in December 1934?
Italian troops clashed with Abyssinians at Wal Wal. The League tried to stop Mussolini but he refused to listen. The League placed Italy under some economic sanctions, but they didn’t use the strongest sanctions that would have harmed Italy more. The League banned its members from selling weapons to Italy, but they still allowed Italy to buy fuel (oil) and raw materials from members. Fuel, metals and other raw materials were needed for their military campaign in Abyssinia
What happened in January 1935?
The French foreign minister, Pierre Laval, made a secret agreement with Italy: Mussolini could deal with Abyssinia however he wanted and France wold not interfere
What happened on 30 June 1936?
The Abyssinian emperor, Haile Selassie, addressed the League,but the League did nothing
What happened in October 1935?
Italian troops entered Abyssinia. The League condemned the invasion, but Mussolini ignored them and even used chemical weapons
What happened on 5 May 1936?
Italian troops entered the capital, Addis Ababa
What happened in September 1937?
Italy left the League of Nations
Why did the League fail? (4)
- Britain and France didn’t close the Suez Canal (which would have made it difficult for Mussolini to get troops to Abyssinia) because they didn’t want to upset Mussolini
- When the League imposed trade sanctions on Italy it failed to ban steel, oil and coal as it felt this would damage their member’s economies. These were the resources that Mussolini needed for the invasion
- The League banned sales of arms to Abyssinia, which left them defenceless
- The Hoare-Laval Pact was a secret agreement suggested by the British and French foreign ministers. They wanted to give Mussolini land in Abyssinia. The pact was leaked by the press and there was public outcry; leading members had proven they were willing to undermine the League or their own self-interest
When did Italy invade Abyssinia?
1935
Why did Britain and France not close the Suez Canal?
They didn’t want to upset Mussolini
When the League imposed trade sanctions on Italy, why did they fail to ban steel, oil and coal?
They felt this would damage their member’s economies
How did the League fail when they didn’t close the Suez Canal?
It would have made it difficult for Mussolini to get troops to Abyssinian
How did the League fail when they imposed trade sanctions on Italy?
When the League imposed trade sanctions, it failed to ban steel, oil and coal. These were resources that Mussolini needed for the invasion and made it easier for him to invade.
How did the League fail when they banned sales of arms to Abyssinia?
It left Abyssinia defenceless
