Abyssinian Crisis Flashcards
What happened in December 1934 that upset Mussolini?
A clash between Italians and Abyssinian soldiers at Wal-Wal on the border between Abyssinia and Italian Somaliland in Africa, with some loss of life.
On what grounds did Mussolini attack Abyssinia?
He said he was trying to bring civilisation to the country.
What sanctions were immediately put in place?
Trade in arms.
Why did Britain and France not want to upset Germany too much?
They needed Mussolini’s support against Hitler.
Why were vital goods that Mussolini needed not banned?
USA supplied oil - couldn’t impose sanctions on them.
France continued to supply iron and steel.
Britain supplied coal as they were worried it would lead to unemployment in the British coal industry.
What is an example of how Britain and France were acting selfishly and not following the collective security of the league?
They could have blocked the Suez Canal to Italian ships as it was the easiest route to Abyssinia.
What was the Hoare-Laval plan?
This is gave Italy two thirds of Abyssinia.
When did the Italians capture the capital of Abyssinia?
May 1936.
What marked the end of the league as a way of keeping peace?
Italy walked out of the league and sanctions were withdrawn in July 1936.
How did it prove the league were weak without Germany?
They couldn’t impose sanctions on oil as the USA weren’t members.
What did it show about France and Britain?
They were shown with their own interests at heart.
What were the consequences of collective security not being followed?
Countries believed they could get away with more, smaller countries didn’t feel protected.
How did it damage the prestige of Britain and France?
They were supposedly the biggest empires but they couldn’t protect a small country.
Why was the Hoare-Laval plan a bad idea?
When the plans were leaked to the French press, it was seen as treachery against the League.
