Abyssinian Crisis Flashcards
Why did Mussolini invade Abyssinia?
He wanted revenge for a previous defeat
Glory and conquest
What triggered the crisis?
There were disputes between Ethiopian and Italian soldiers at the wal-wal, Mussolini took advantage of this
When did Mussolini invade Abyssinia?
1935
What did Mussolini claim in 1934?
He claimed that Abyssinia was Italian land
Why did Abyssinia appeal to the league?
Mussolini had began preparing for an invasion
Abyssinia wasn’t Italian land
Why were Britain and France reluctant to act?
They wanted to remain allies with Italy, who would support them against Germany
What sanctions were placed on Italy?
There was a ban on arms sales to Italy but not Abyssinia
Why was it difficult for the league to impose other sanctions?
It was unsure of USA support
Britain would’ve suffered high unemployment if it stopped supplying Italy with coal
What was the Hoare-Laval pact?
Between Britain and France
Secretly decided to give Italy 2/3 of Abyssinia if Mussolini didn’t invade.
Abyssinia and the league were not consulted
What was the Suez Canal
The only access route Italy had to Abyssinia
Controlled by the British and French
If it was closed Italy wouldn’t have been able to obtain Abyssinia
Why didn’t Britain and France close the Suez Canal?
They didn’t want a war with Italy
When was the Abyssinian crisis?
1934-1935
