The invasion of Abyssinia, 1935

ABYSSINIA: 1935

WHY?

1.   ECONOMY:

-      Thought success abroad would divert attention From Italian economic problems

2.   AMERICA:

-      Lots of Italians moving to America – Muss. Thought having living space in Abyssinia might encourage more Italians to stay within Italian territory.

3.   RESOURCES:

-      Mussolini wanted fertile agricultural and mineral resources

4.   REVENGE/TOUCHY NATIONALISM:

-      1896: Italian soldiers had been defeated by badly equipped Abyssinian soldiers in Battle of Adowa à humiliated

-      Mussolini wanted to restore glory of Roman Empire.

…MUSSOLINI’S EXCUSE:

-      Dispute between Italian and Ethiopian soldiers at oasis of Wal Wal (80km within Abyssinian territory)

-      Muss. claimed it was Italian

-      Prepared army for invasion

-      Emperor Haile Selassie appealed to League

WHAT WAS THE LEAGUE’S RESPONSE TO SELASSIE’S REQUEST?

-      GB and France played for time – wanted to stay on good terms with Mussolini as he was an all against Hitler

-      1935: GB, Italy, France sign STRESA PACT = protest against German rearmament and collective security against German aggression.

-      Some say GB and France were…