The Abyssinian Crisis

Why was the Suez Canal left open?

- Britain and France didn't want to lose Italy's alliance against Hitler - They wanted Italy to continue paying to use the canal

Which modern-day country was Abyssinia?

Ethiopia

What was set up in December 1935?

The Hoare-Laval Pact

Which goods were excluded from the sanctions?

- Oil - Coal - Steel

How did failure in Abyssinia affect the League?

- It made them look weak - It confirmed to Hitler that they were powerless, and gave him the confidence to pursue his foreign policy

How did the League respond to Mussolini's invasion?

- They condemned the invasion as an act of aggression - Britain and France didn't want to lose Mussolini's alliance against Hitler, so settled on limited sanctions - Trading arms with Italy ended immediately - Imports from Italy were banned - They kept the Suez Canal open, although it could have been closed - Hoare-Laval Pact

What began the crisis in December 1934?

A clash between Italian and Abyssinia soldiers at Wal-Wal

What was the Hoare-Laval Pact?

A secret pact between Britain and France to give 2/3 of Abysinnia to Italy, in return for their withdrawal

Why were some goods excluded from the sanctions?

Because Britain and France feared unemployment, and because the League could not impose trading sanctions on the USA

Who was in charge of Abyssinia?

Haile Selassie

What happened to Samuel Hoare after the Hoare-Laval Pact failed?

He was forced to resign

What happened to the Hoare-Laval Pact?

It was abandoned because it was unpopular in Britain

What happened in October 1935?

Italy invaded, and the League imposed economic sanctions

What happened after sanctions were abandoned in July 1936?

Italy kept Abyssinia

When did Haile Selassie appeal to the League?

June 1936

Who was in charge of Italy at the time?

Mussolini

What happened following Wal-Wal?

The dispute went to the League, but it was clear that Mussolini was prepared to fight