Abyssinian Crisis Flashcards
Why did Mussolini want Abyssinia?
- Italy angry not given more at the end of WW1
- He wanted to restore the glory of the Roman Empire
- Abyssinia next to Italian colonies of Eritrea and Somaliland
- Previous attempt in 1896 had failed so wanted revenge
- Good raw materials to help Italian economy
What was the Stresa Front?
Agreement made in 1935 by GB, France and Italy. It opposed Germany’s aims to change the Treaty of Versailles
Why did Italy’s involvement in the Stresa Front make Mussolini more confident in trying to take over Abyssinia?
He felt GB and France would not want to upset him as Hitler was their main concern
What happened in December 1934?
Clashes between Italian and Abyssinian soldiers at Wal Wal (dispute goes to the League and clear Italy planning war)
What was the Peace Ballot of 1935? What did it say?
British survey of approximately 11 million people to see how they felt about the League and collective security. It said British people believed support for the League would keep peace.
What happened on 3rd October 1935?
Italian forces invaded Abyssinia
What limited sanctions were placed on Italy?
- Trade in arms banned
- Imports from Italy banned
- Oil, coal, iron and steel (goods needed for war) were excluded from sanctions (France concerned about iron and steel and GB concerned about coal)
How could Britain and France have stopped Italy?
Closing Suez Canal to Italian ships (easiest sea route to Abyssinia from Italy)
What was the Hoare Laval Pact?
Secret agreement from GB and France to end the crisis by giving Italy two thirds of Abyssinia
Why did the Abyssinian Crisis mark the end of the League?
- Italy left the League in 1937- only major powers remaining were GB, France and USSR were left.
- Italy allied with Germany (Rome-Berlin Axis 1936)
- Europe dividing into two camps
