League Of Nations Flashcards
What event marked the fatal blow to the League of Nations?
Mussolini’s invasion of Abyssinia in 1935
This event highlighted the League’s inability to address aggressive actions by member states.
What were the similarities between the Italian invasion of Abyssinia and the Japanese invasion of Manchuria?
Both involved leading members of the League seeking to expand their empires through invasion
Italy and Japan were both significant powers within the League.
What major difference existed between the situations in Abyssinia and Manchuria?
Abyssinia was located near Europe, directly affecting League member territories
The League could not claim the dispute was in an inaccessible region.
What historical event influenced Mussolini’s desire to invade Abyssinia?
The defeat of Italian troops at the Battle of Adowa in 1896
This defeat was a source of national humiliation for Italy.
What was the Wal-Wal incident?
A dispute between Italian and Abyssinian soldiers at the Wal-Wal oasis in December 1934
This incident served as Mussolini’s pretext for invasion.
What was the Stresa Pact?
An agreement signed by Britain, France, and Italy in early 1935 against German rearmament
It reflected Britain’s and France’s desire to maintain good relations with Mussolini.
What was the League’s initial response to Mussolini’s actions?
The League played for time, engaging in negotiations while Mussolini prepared for invasion
This delay allowed Italy to strengthen its military presence.
What was the outcome of the League’s deliberations regarding the Wal-Wal incident?
The League reported that neither side could be held responsible
This decision came after eight months of deliberation.
What sanctions did the League impose against Italy following the invasion?
The League banned arms sales, loans, imports from Italy, and exports of rubber, tin, and metals
However, the League delayed banning oil exports and did not close the Suez Canal.
Why was the closure of the Suez Canal significant?
It was the main supply route for Mussolini’s forces and could have quickly ended the campaign
Britain and France feared that closing the canal could provoke war with Italy.
True or False: The League of Nations effectively used collective security against Mussolini’s invasion of Abyssinia.
False
The League failed to act decisively and effectively against the aggression.
What did Mussolini seek through his invasion of Abyssinia, aside from revenge?
He wanted glory and conquest, aiming to restore the glory of the Roman Empire. He also had his eye on Abyssinia’s fertile land and mineral wealth
His leadership style was heavily influenced by the need for military victories.
Fill in the blank: The League delayed a decision on banning _______ exports to Italy.
oil
This delay was due to fears of American disapproval and economic impacts on member states.
What was the public sentiment in Britain regarding the defense of Abyssinia?
A majority supported the use of military force to defend Abyssinia if necessary
This sentiment emerged during the autumn election period.
What was the Hoare-Laval pact?
It was a secret dealing between France and Britain ( B+S foreign ministers: Hoare and Laval) in December of 1935 which aimed to give Mussolini 2/3 of Abyssinia in exchange for him to stop invading it. However the plan was leaked in the French press and this created a scandal for the League. Damage was done to Sanction discussions and this was considered an act of treachery against the League.
