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Italian invasion of  Abyssinia, 1935


1. What happened?
  • In October 1935, Italy invaded Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia), an independent African nation. 
  • Italian forces used modern weapons, tanks, and poison gas to overwhelm Abyssinian resistance.
  • By May 1936, Italy had conquered the capital, Addis Ababa, and annexed Abyssinia into its empire.​

2. Who was involved?
  • Italy: Led by Benito Mussolini, aiming to expand Italian territory and prestige.
  • Abyssinia: Ruled by Emperor Haile Selassie, appealed to the League for help.
  • League of Nations: Tasked with collective security but failed to stop Italian aggression.
  • Britain & France: Key League members, hesitant to act strongly against Italy.
​
3. When did it happen?
  • Initial dispute originated over the Wal-Wal Oaisis in December 1934
  • Invasion began: October 1935.
  • Conquest completed: May 1936.
  • Key League discussions and sanctions occurred between 1935-1936.​

4. Where did it happen?
  • Abyssinia, located in the Horn of Africa, bordered by Italian colonies Eritrea and Somaliland.
  • Strategically important for Italy’s African empire.​

5. Why did Italy invade?
  • Revenge: Italy sought revenge for its defeat at the Battle of Adowa (1896).
  • Imperial Ambition: Mussolini aimed to build a new Roman Empire.
  • Distraction from domestic issues: Boost Mussolini’s popularity and distract from economic problems.
  • Perceived weakness of the League: Success in Manchuria suggested that aggression would go unpunished.


6. How did it happen?
  • Italian troops invaded from Eritrea and Somaliland, using modern military force.
  • Abyssinian army, poorly equipped, resisted bravely but was overwhelmed.
  • Italy used poison gas and aerial bombing, violating international law.
  • The conquest ended with the fall of Addis Ababa in May 1936.

League of Nations’ Response
​

What did the League do well?
  • Condemned Italy’s aggression as a breach of the League’s Covenant.
  • Imposed economic sanctions on Italy (arms embargo, banning loans, exports of rubber, metals).
  • Showed willingness to act (at least in principle) to uphold international peace.

How did the League fall short?
  • Sanctions were weak: Oil, coal, iron — vital war materials — were not sanctioned.Suez Canal left open: Britain & France did not block Italy’s supply routes.
  • Hoare-Laval Pact (1935): A secret deal by Britain & France to give Italy large parts of Abyssinia (leaked, caused scandal, undermined League credibility).
  • Slow and indecisive: Delays in sanctions gave Italy time to secure victory.
  • Fear of pushing Italy towards Hitler: Britain & France prioritized maintaining good relations with Mussolini.
  • Ultimately, Abyssinia was conquered, and the League’s authority was severely damaged.
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