Abyssinia crisis

Question 1

When did Mussolini come into power?

Answer 1

October 1925 - National Fascist Party was in power

Question 2

How did Mussolini come into power?

Answer 2

King Victor Emmanuel III invited him into power
- Feared if he did not support Mussolini, would be ousted for cousin
- 1922 October, March on rome where Mussolini demands power
- Passes Acerbo Law 1923 (party with 25% of votes gets 2/3rds of seats in par)

Question 3

What does Mussolini do in his reign?

Answer 3

1926, All opposing parties were banned
1927 - Secret police established
1928 - Italy and Abyssinia sign treaty (after invasion)

Question 4

Why did Italy invade Abyssinia?

Answer 4

To make ‘Italy great, respected and feared’
Mussolini was the father of fascism
- Embarrassed after 1890 attempt to colonise
- Is a good trade route through Suez canal for oil

Question 5

When was Abyssinia invaded?

Answer 5

October 1935
- Mussolini uses tanks and mustard gas

Question 6

What was the buildup to the invasion?

Answer 6

1934, troops from both sides were stationed at Wal Wal. British troops left Abyssinia to avoid crisis. December, was fighting (150 died)

Question 7

What did the League do?

Answer 7

Feb 1935 - Set up commission. Suggested giving parts of Abyssinia to Italy
October 1935 - Mussolini rejected this and invaded
League banned weapons sales, sanctions on rubber and metal, but this harmed Abyssinia more
- Did not close Suez canal which would have stopped invasion (or banned sales on oil)
All forgot about it when Hitler Marched into Rhineland