key term - Abyssinian Crisis

Definition

The Abyssinian Crisis, also known as the Second Italo-Ethiopian War, occurred between 1935 and 1936 when Italy invaded Ethiopia, seeking to expand its colonial empire. This conflict highlighted the failures of the League of Nations and its system of collective security, as member states struggled to respond effectively to aggression from a major European power against a sovereign nation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Abyssinian Crisis began when Italy, led by Benito Mussolini, launched a full-scale invasion of Ethiopia on October 3, 1935, claiming to avenge a previous defeat in 1896.
2. The League of Nations condemned the Italian invasion and imposed limited economic sanctions against Italy, but these measures were largely ineffective and not enforced by major powers.
3. Ethiopia's Emperor Haile Selassie appealed to the League for support, making a famous speech at the League's assembly in 1936, but received little assistance.
4. The failure of the League of Nations to prevent the invasion undermined its credibility and signaled the limitations of collective security in dealing with aggressive states.
5. By May 1936, Italian forces captured Addis Ababa, leading to the annexation of Ethiopia into Italian East Africa and demonstrating the rising threat of fascism in Europe.

Review Questions

• How did the actions taken by the League of Nations during the Abyssinian Crisis reflect its overall effectiveness in maintaining peace?
  • The League of Nations' response to the Abyssinian Crisis illustrated its ineffectiveness in maintaining peace, as it condemned Italy's aggression but failed to enforce meaningful sanctions. Member states were reluctant to fully support collective security measures, prioritizing their own interests over helping Ethiopia. This lack of decisive action not only emboldened Italy but also revealed the weaknesses in the League's structure and ability to prevent war.
• Evaluate the impact of the Abyssinian Crisis on international perceptions of fascism during the 1930s.
  • The Abyssinian Crisis significantly impacted international perceptions of fascism, showcasing how aggressive expansionism by fascist regimes could go unchecked by international bodies. The ineffective response by the League of Nations led many nations to question their ability to counteract such aggression. The crisis highlighted the growing threat posed by fascist powers like Italy and Germany, contributing to rising tensions in Europe that would eventually lead to World War II.
• Assess how the Abyssinian Crisis influenced future international relations and military strategies leading up to World War II.
  • The Abyssinian Crisis had a lasting impact on international relations and military strategies as it exposed the weaknesses of collective security and prompted countries to reassess their approaches to aggression. As nations recognized that diplomatic efforts alone were insufficient against fascist ambitions, many began preparing militarily for potential conflicts. This crisis also encouraged alliances based on mutual defense, ultimately contributing to the divisions that defined World War II as countries sought stronger positions against emerging threats.

Related terms

League of Nations:

An international organization established after World War I to promote peace and cooperation among countries, aimed at preventing conflicts through collective security measures.

Collective Security: A system in which states agree to take collective action against any aggressor, based on the belief that an attack on one member is an attack on all.

Sanctions:

Economic or political penalties imposed by countries or international organizations to influence behavior or compel compliance with international law.