The Abyssinian Crisis

by Daniel B (and George)

 Introduction
• The 'Scramble for Africa' took
place between the large
European powers
• Very few countries were left, with
Abyssinia being one of the main
ones
• Abyssinia was ruled by the
emperor Haile Selassie who later
gave a large speech as a plea for
his people
 Why Did Italy Invade Abyssinia?
• At the time of the Abyssinian
Crisis (1935-6) Italy was let by a
guy called Mussolini.
• He wanted to be successful in
foreign countries, and already had
two colonies next to Abyssinia, so
he decided to invade.
• The people living in Abyssinia
were powerless to stop them, as
the Italian's weapons were far
superior.
How did the League Respond to Italy's
Invasion?
Abyssinia appealed to the League of
Nations after Italy invaded them, and
this is what the League decided:
• No country could sell arms to
Italy - however this wasn't very
effective.
• Britain and France should send
an army to confront Mussolini.
 How did Britain and France respond?
• Britain and France never wished to be too
harsh on Mussolini as they knew that
Italy could be a powerful ally
• And so the French minister met Mussolini
in Rome in 1935 to agree a truce, but it
wasn't succesful
• The two countries also tried to create the
Hoare Laval pact as a compromise
between Italy and them, to carve up the
land but it didn't work as it was leaked to
the press and denounced
 What was the Outcome of the
Abyssinian Crisis?
• Britain and France decided to
do nothing.
• Mussolini stayed in Abyssinia,
and had no sanctions or
Victorious!
armies from Britain and
France to fight.
• The League of Nations failed
at it's job yet again.
 What effect did this have?
• This crisis showed the
weakness of the league and ______
destroyed it's reputation weaklings!
• It showed that if someone
wasn't going to agree, then the
League had no power
• It showed how the League was
scared and didn't wish to forbid
vital resources
 But which of the Crisis' was worst?
• It's up to you really, both • Yet the Abyssinian showed
crisis' showed up the how the league was reluctant
League and destroyed it's to input sanctions of vital
repuation resources, and showed a lack
• However the Manchurian of power
crisis showed a lack of
control anywhere in the
world and showed how
members could just walk
out and be unaffected by
sanctions.
 Fun Facts Page!
• Did you know that Abyssinia is now known as Ethopia?
• And that this is their flag?
• Well you do now!

Futher Reading:
• http://books.google.com/books?id=rpY562-RAzIC&pg=PA79#PPA77
• http://www.johndclare.net/league_of_nations6b.htm
• http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/abyssinia.htm
• http://www.sgfl.org.uk/haywoodhistory/gcse/international/leagueofnations/abyssinian
• http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/history/mwh/ir1/manchuriarev3.shtml
• http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/heroesvillains/g3/
Thanx 4 Watchin