The crisis over Abyssinia 1935 - 37 Failure of the League The crisis over Abyssinia 1935 - 37
Background to events Abyssinia : An independent country ruled by Haile Selassie, the only independent black country in Africa. In 1896 its army had defeated an Italian invasion. Mussolini : Fascist dictator of Italy, was determined to build an Empire. He also wanted revenge for defeat of 1896.
Timeline of Events December 1934 - Italian troops provoke a clash at Wal Wal October 1935 - Italian invasion begins December 1935 - Britain and France produce Hoare-Laval Plan. Large parts of Abyssinia to be given to Italy in return for Italian withdrawal. Public outcry- plan abandoned May 1936 Italian conquest complete
The League: actions and results Dec 1934 offers arbitration Rejected by Italy Jan-Feb 1935 debates its response no further action May-Sept sets up a five power commission Abyssinia rejects proposals Oct 1935 Italy condemned limited economic sanctions imposed
The League: actions and results March 1936 - Oil embargo threatened No impact Italy complete conquest. Hitler noted weakness of the League and remilitarize the Rhineland (March 1936) June 1936 - Haile Selassie addressed Assembly of League calling for help No additional action by League
The League: actions and results July 1936 - sanctions against Italy abandoned Italy - Kept Abyssinia Became allied with Germany Left the Stresa Front Left the League (1937)
Why did the League Fail? Britain and France were unwilling to take a lead they feared Italian action against their interests in the area Also wanted to keep Mussolini in the Stresa Front to contain the threat posed by Hitler. The Hoare-Laval Plan discredited and weakened the League
Long Term Results Countries lost faith in the League Countries started to form secret alliances Countries started to rearm.
Why the L of N failed French and British self interest Absent powers - USA Ineffective sanctions Lack of an armed force Unfair treaty Reaching decisions too slowly European club, everyone had to agree