Italian invasion of Abyssinia 1935-36

Question 1

Why did Italy invade Abyssinia (Present day Ethiopia)

Answer 1

1) Italy made 1st attempt in 1896 in the battle of Adowa and they were defeated. Italians felt humiliated .
2) Also he wanted to invade Abyssinia to distract Italians from great depression and failings of corporate state.
3) To build an empire and to become a great imperial power like Britain and France.
4) Rally support behind his regime.
5) Italy would be able to strengthen its military by drawing colonial troops.
6) During Stresa conference -against Germany, France and Britain allowed Italy to invade Abyssinia.
7) Gain territory for emigration and provide an export market for Italian goods
8) Mussolini also hoped to find oil

Question 2

how did they invade Abyssinia.

Answer 2

1) Oct 1935- Bombed Adowa
2) Both countries were part of Leage of Nations-Invasion made it tricky
3) League of nations imposed a trade ban on Italy

Question 3

Hoare-Laval Pact 1935
Hoare British Foreign secretary
Laval-french Foreign secretary

Answer 3

1) Britain and France secretly made a deal with Italy
2) If Italy quit fighting then it will be given the best parts of Abyssinia and the poor parts of Abyssinia will be left independent- giving sea access to Haile Selassie .
3) this pact failed because press leaked the information
4) Finally league of Nations ban the oil- But most of the country was already invaded.
5) Head of Abyssinia made an emotional speech to League of Nations in 1936 “ It is us today, it will be you tomorrow”
6) showed ineffectiveness of league
7) France wanted British support against German aggression

Question 4

Response to the Invasion

Answer 4

1) Widespread public outrage
2) Disapproval from league of Nations
3) Abyssinian Emperor, Haile appealed league
4) League imposed Sanctions on Italy
5) Did not put embargo on key war materials : oil, coal, and steel
6) Britain hesitantly carried out basic sanctions, but decided not to close Suez Canal which was the main route of the Italian troops.
7) Italy used Chemical weapons on the civilians and League was unable to any action.