Abyssian Crisis

The Abyssinian Crisis 1934-1936

By­ Matthew Jones  and Josh Akers 

Why did Italy invade Abyssinia? • After coming to power in 1922, Benito Mussolini became the new dictator of Italy. • He promised his people greatness and power. • In 1934, however, he realised that to achieve this for his people he needed a victory. • Therefore, in 1934, he began gathering his troops on the border of Abyssinia, a colony they attempted to invade in 1896, but failed. • He chose Abyssinia due to its richness, in respect to its soil, and because they wanted revenge.

What was Britain and France's role in the  crisis? (The Hoare­Laval Pact) • After attacking in October 1935, the leader of Abyssinia,  Haile  Selassie, appealed to the League Of Nations for help. •  After meeting, and attempting to negotiate, Samuel Hoare of  Britain and  Pierre Laval of France took matters ino their own  hands, undermining the league, and making a 'Pact' or agreement  on what should happen. • The Hoare­Laval Pact, decided that         Abyssinia would be split up, giving         Italy the northern and southern fertile         lands and the Abyssinians the main         section.   

What was the outcome of the Abyssian  Crisis? • After this plan failed, and the League being unable to act due to  their sanctions failing, Mussolini continued to invade.  •  The League's involvement was a disaster; weakening it  immensly. • By 1936, Italy had completely invaded and taken over Abyssinia. • It was this crisis and the Manchurian crisis that set things in  motion for the beginning of another world war: WW2. 

What effect did the crisis have on the  League Of Nations?  

• The crisis effected the League in a number of ways. Such as: • Weakening them to the point where they were no more use. • Making them untrustworthy and unreliable. • Taking away their international powers and abilities.   By 1939 the League had disbanded and WW2 was beginning.