The Abyssinian Crisis Flashcards
Which colonies belonging to Mussolini bordered Abyssinia so would make invasion easier?
Eritrea and Somaliland
Why could Abyssinia be good for the Italian economy?
It was rich in natural resources and had good land for grazing animals.
Why did Mussolini not think Britain and France could object to him invading Abyssinia?
As they had so many colonies in the region themselves.
Why did Mussolini want revenge on Abyssinia?
In 1896 Italy had tried, and failed, to invade Abyssinia. Italy expected an easy victory but faced a humiliating defeat. Mussolini wanted to restore national pride.
What previous dealing with the League made Mussolini sure he could invade Abyssinia without the League taking action?
The Corfu Crisis in 1923, when it had failed to stop him bullying Greece.
What recent event involving the League also made Mussolini confident?
The League’s failure in Manchuria.
What agreement was signed in 1935 regarding Britain, France and Hitler?
The Stresa Front, Britain and France agreed they would unite against Hitler.
What impression did France give to Mussolini regarding the Stresa Front?
That France would not anything to keep Italy as an ally against Hitler.
When did Italians first clash with Abyssinians at Wal Wal?
How many were killed?
December 1934
150 Abyssinians and 2 Italians were killed.
When did Italy invade Abyssinia?
3 October 1935
What was the only resistance the Italian army met?
The small Abyssinian army, some soldiers armed with nothing more than spears.
Who was Haile Selassie?
The Abyssinian emperor.
What had Haile Selassie done?
He had addressed the League in Geneva, warning it of the effect its failure to deal with Mussolini would have.
When did Italian troops take over the Abyssinian capital?
What was the capital called?
On 5 May 1936, Italian troops took over the Abyssinian capital, Addis Ababa.
What were the 4 factors for why the League failed in Abyssinia?
-Failure to close the Suez Canal
-The Hoare-Laval pact
-Trade sanctions against Italy
-Trade sanctions against Abyssinia
When did Pierre Laval and Samuel Hoare meet in secret?
Decemeber 1934
What did the Hoare-Laval Pact agree?
That Abyssinia would be reduced to half its size and keep its mountainous regions, so Italy could get fertile land
What did trade sanctions against Italy not include?
Oil, coal, iron or steel.
When did Italy leave the League of Nations
May 1936
Who were Pierre Laval and Samuel Hoare?
Britain and France’s foreign ministers.
What could closing the Suez Canal have done?
It was built to the connect the Mediterranean and Red sea, and it could have been closed to stop Mussolini moving troops and supplies to invade Abyssinia.
Why did the League not close the Suez Canal?
They were worried that Mussolini would unite with Hitler so they tried to keep him on their side.
What did the Hoare-Laval Pact prove after it had been leaked to the press?
That Britain and France were willing to undermine the League for their own self-interest.
Why was coal not included in trade sanctions?
The British were worried that banning the trade in coal would cause unemployment in British coal mining areas.
