Abyssinia Flashcards
What was the single event that Mussolini used as an excuse to invade Abyssinia?
When Mussolini claimed to 30 Italian soldiers had been killed in a border clash with Abyssinia at Wal-Wal Oasis.
What were the causes/reasons for Italy’s invasion of Abyssinia?
Mussolini wanted an African Empire.
Mussolini wanted revenge for the Battle of Adowa when Italy had been defeated by Abyssinia, this had been humiliating for Mussolini.
Why did the League not take action against the Abyssinian Crisis?
The Stresa Front was an alliance between Britain, Italy and France against Hitler. Britain and France didn’t want to upset Mussolini as they needed him as an ally against Hitler.
When did Italy invade Abyssinia?
October 1935
What could the League have done to stop the Abyssinian Crisis?
Imposed economic sanctions on oil but this would harm their own economies. (They had already imposed economic sanctions on everything else).
What was the Hoare-Laval Pact?
When Britain and France went behind the League and Haile Selassie’s backs and agreed to give Mussolini 2/3 of Abyssinia if he stopped the invasion.
What were the effects Abyssinia?
Mussolini and Hitler formed an alliance (Rome-Berlin Axis).
The League were made to seem powerless.
Haile Selassie was disgusted by the actions of Britain and France in the Hoare-Laval Pact.
