130 likes | 256 Vues
This analysis explores the League of Nations' failure during the Abyssinian crisis from 1935 to 1937. Highlighting key events such as the Italian invasion, the ineffective response of Britain and France, and the controversial Hoare-Laval Plan, the text examines how self-interests undermined collective action against aggression. The outcome not only led to Italy's conquest of Abyssinia but significantly weakened faith in the League, fostering a climate of distrust and realignment in European powers, paving the way for future conflicts. ###
E N D
Failure of the League The crisis over Abyssinia 1935 - 37 By Mr Osbornewww.SchoolHistory.co.uk
Background to events • Abyssinia : An independent country ruled by Haile Selassie, the only independent black country in Africa. In 1896 its army had defeated an Italian invasion. • Mussolini : Fascist dictator of Italy, was determined to build an Empire. He also wanted revenge for defeat of 1896.
Timeline of Events • December 1934 - Italian troops provoke a clash at Wal Wal • October 1935 - Italian invasion begins • December 1935 - Britain and France produce Hoare-Laval Plan. Large parts of Abyssinia to be given to Italy in return for Italian withdrawal. Public outcry- plan abandoned • May 1936 Italian conquest complete
The League: actions and results • Dec 1934 offers arbitration • Rejected by Italy • Jan-Feb 1935 debates its response • no further action • May-Sept sets up a five power commission • Abyssinia rejects proposals • Oct 1935 Italy condemned limited economic sanctions imposed
The League: actions and results • March 1936 - Oil embargo threatened • No impact Italy complete conquest. Hitler noted weakness of the League and remilitarize the Rhineland (March 1936) • June 1936 - Haile Selassie addressed Assembly of League calling for help • No additional action by League
The League: actions and results • July 1936 - sanctions against Italy abandoned • Italy - Kept Abyssinia • Became allied with Germany • Left the Stresa Front • Left the League (1937)
Why did the League Fail? • Britain and France were unwilling to take a lead they feared Italian action against their interests in the area • Also wanted to keep Mussolini in the Stresa Front to contain the threat posed by Hitler. • The Hoare-Laval Plan discredited and weakened the League
Long Term Results • Countries lost faith in the League • Countries started to form secret alliances • Countries started to rearm.
Aims of the Treaty of Versailles Guilt - find some one to blame Armed forces to be dealt with Reparations - who has to pay German territories - what to do LEague of Nations to be formed
German reaction to Treaty of Versailles Unrepresented Not allowed to join League of Nations Forced to accept terms - diktat Angry with armed forces reductions Injustice - War guilt, loss of land etc Reparations - set to high
Why the L of N failed French and British self interest Absent powers - USA Ineffective sanctions Lack of an armed force Unfair treaty Reaching decisions too slowly European club, everyone had to agree
The steps to war 1936 - 39 Civil War in Spain Re-occupation of the Rhineland Anschluss with Austria Sudetenland crisis Hitler takes over rest of Czechoslovakia Italy and Germany form pact of Steal Nazi-Soviet Pact Germany invades Poland