ABYSSINIA & MANCHURIA Lo – to attempt an exam question on the crisis’s of the League of Nations

1. Which was more important as a reason for the failure of the League of Nations: its handling of the Manchurian Crisis 1931– 1933; its handling of the Abyssinian Crisis 1935– 1936? You must refer to both reasons when explaining your answer. 10 marks

plan Introduction Manchurian crisis – describe events & explain why this was a failure Abyssinian crisis - describe events & explain why this was a failure Similarities/differences Other failure of the LON Conclusion – answer question: Which was more important

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

plan Introduction Manchurian crisis – describe events & explain why this was a failure Abyssinian crisis - describe events & explain why this was a failure Similarities/differences Other failure of the LON Conclusion – answer question: Which was more important