ABYSSINIA Lo – how did Mussolini’s invasion of Abyssinia damaged the LON.

This crisis = the fatal blow to the LON in Similarities & differences to Manchurian crisis. Like Japan, Italy was a leading member of the LON & Italy wanted to expand its Empire. Unlike Manchuria; this was on the LON doorstep –bordered French & British colonies. LON had claimed Manchuria was a special case, too far away – would Abyssinia be the same.

BACKGROUND 1896 – Italian troops tried to invade Abyssinia – defeated by poorly equipped army of tribesmen. Mussolini wanted revenge!! He also had his eye on the fertile land & mineral wealth. He wanted the glory of conquest – restore the glory of Rome. Dec ’34 – Italy invade! Abyssinia appeal to LON for help.

PHASE 1 – LON PLAYS FOR TIME Mussolini started negotiating for peace – at same time shipping vast army to Africa. Britain & France failed to take situation seriously – playing for time to keep good relations with Mussolini (strongest ally against Hitler). Stresa Pact 1935 – signed an agreement uniting against Germany. In meetings Abyssinia was never mentioned.

As year continued – more public pressure. Ballot taken by LON – showed majority people supported use of force to defend Abyssinia. Lots of talking but LON never did anything to discourage Mussolini. 4 th sept – LON decided after 8 months of negotiations the LON decided neither side responsible. Put forward a plan that would give some of Abyssinia to Italy. Mussolini rejected it.

SANCTIONS OR NOT? 1935 – Italy launched a full scale invasion. No doubting the seriousness of the issue. Covenant made it clear sanctions must be issued against the aggressor. The LON imposed an immediate ban on arms sales to Italy, banned loans, rubber, tin and metal.

LON delayed a decision to ban oil – feared America would not support sanction. In Britain the coal export ban was stopped because 30,000 coal miners jobs were in danger. Secretly the French & British were planning to give Italy 2/3 of Abyssinia if he called off his invasion. Plan leaked to the press – was a disaster for LON. By this time Italy had invaded all of Abyssinia

Mussolini ‘obtains’ Abyssinia 7 th March 1936 Hitler marched his troops into the Rhineland (not allowed by TOV) French now needed the Italians at ANY PRICE. 9 th May – Mussolini annexed the whole country – LON left powerless November ’36 Rome- Berlin Axis.

MANCHURIAN CRISISABYSSINIAN CRISIS When Sept 1931 (background 1900) 1934 (background 1896) Who invaded who? 1905 – Japan owned South Manchurian Railway – invade Manchurian 1931 Mussolini sends troops into Abyssinia – they appeal to LON What did LON do? Sent Lord Lytton to assess situation – wrote a report - whole year Imposed economic sanctions Secret deal to give 2/3 leaked to press Outcome Japan leave LON invade more of China in ‘33, ’36, ’37 LON reputation in tatters – Rome Berlin Axis – whole Abyssinia invaded Why LON fail? MAJOR CHALLENGE -By doing nothing it was only a matter of time until someone else tried again League was too weak & ineffective – failure to stop = alliance between Italy & Germany – regained loses from TOV