The International Response to Italian Aggression (1935–1936)
Italian Aggression in Abyssinia: A Turning Point
- In October 1935, Italy invaded Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia), a sovereign nation and member of the League of Nations.
- This act of aggression was a direct challenge to the principles of collective security and exposed the weaknesses of the international system.
Note
The invasion of Abyssinia was part of Mussolini's broader ambition to create a new Roman Empire and distract from domestic economic problems.
The League of Nations' Response
1. Condemnation and Sanctions
- The League condemned Italy as the aggressor and imposed economic sanctions.
- However, these sanctions were limited and ineffective:
- Key resources like oil and coal were excluded.
- Britain and France refused to close the Suez Canal, allowing Italy to transport troops and supplies.
Example
The League's failure to act decisively demonstrated its inability to enforce its own principles, undermining its credibility.
2. The Hoare–Laval Pact
- In December 1935, British Foreign Secretary Samuel Hoare and French Foreign Minister Pierre Laval secretly proposed a plan to partition Abyssinia, giving most of the territory to Italy.
- When the plan was leaked, it sparked public outrage and was abandoned, further damaging the League's reputation.
Common Mistake
- Many students mistakenly believe that the League of Nations imposed comprehensive sanctions on Italy.
- In reality, the sanctions were limited and excluded critical resources like oil, which allowed Italy to continue its war effort.
The Role of Britain and France
1. Appeasement and Self-Interest:
- Britain and France prioritized maintaining the Stresa Front, an alliance with Italy against Nazi Germany.
- This led them to appease Mussolini, even at the cost of undermining the League.
Tip
When analyzing the actions of Britain and France, consider how their fear of Nazi Germany influenced their willingness to compromise with Mussolini.
2. Public Opinion and Political Pressure:
- In Britain, public support for the League was strong, as shown by the 1935 Peace Ballot, which called for collective security.
- However, the government's actions often contradicted public sentiment, revealing the tension between domestic and foreign policy priorities.
Example
Winston Churchill criticized the government's failure to act decisively, warning that appeasement would only embolden aggressors like Mussolini and Hitler.
The Impact of the Abyssinian Crisis
- Collapse of the Stresa Front
- Mussolini turned away from Britain and France, aligning with Hitler in the Rome-Berlin Axis (1936).
- Weakening of the League of Nations
- The League's failure to stop Italian aggression exposed its inability to enforce collective security, encouraging further acts of aggression by Germany and Japan.
- Encouragement of Expansionism
- The lack of a strong international response emboldened Hitler to remilitarize the Rhineland in 1936, further destabilizing Europe.
Note
The Abyssinian Crisis marked a turning point in international relations, as it demonstrated that the League of Nations was incapable of deterring aggression or maintaining peace.
Self review
- The international response to Italian aggression in Abyssinia highlights the failures of appeasement and collective security.
- It also underscores the importance of decisive action in the face of aggression, a lesson that would shape the post-World War II order.
