Abyssinian Crisis Overview Quiz

Abyssinian Crisis (1935-1936)

• Ethiopia, a landlocked African nation, was one of the few independent countries in the region. Its reliance on Europeans for trade highlighted its vulnerability. Tensions existed with Italian-controlled Somalia due to border disputes and tribal conflicts.

• The Walwal Incident (December 1934): Ethiopian forces raided an Italian fort at Walwal, leading to escalating tensions and accusations against Ethiopia. Italy's military buildup in Somalia provoked this confrontation.

• Italian Invasion and League of Nations Response: Italy's invasion of Ethiopia followed the Walwal Incident; Ethiopia protested at the League of Nations due to perceived weapon disadvantage. Concerns existed within the League about the major powers' influence, particularly France and Great Britain.

• Hoare-Laval Pact and League Appeasement: The proposed Hoare-Laval Pact aimed to appease Mussolini but ultimately failed, resulting from a secret deal in Northern Italy, to partition Ethiopia between Italy and the remaining League nations. This pact was leaked, leading to the fall of the respective Foreign Secretaries. The League imposed an arms embargo, indirectly aiding Italy (weakening Ethiopia).

• Italian Actions and Brutality: Italy's invasion involved the use of new and previously banned weapons to combat the Ethiopians. The invasion was accompanied by violence and the targeting of Ethiopian civilians in addition to military men.

• Emperor Haile Selassie's Plea and Exiling: Emperor Haile Selassie fled to exile in England, giving a speech condemning the League of Nations for its failure, effectively criticizing their collective security and influence. Italian delegates mocked the speech and voted to remove Ethiopia's membership; the nation became Italian territory.

• League of Nations Failure: Ethiopia's expulsion and Italy's subsequent departure from the League underscored the League of Nation's limitations and its struggles to manage such international conflicts.