Describe Italy's invasion of Abyssinia in 1935-6 and what the League of Nations did about it.

Abyssinia was weak. She was poorly equipped with little men or weapons. This was an unfair battle as Italy had large troops and had parts of her empire surrounding Abyssinia. These reasons caused Abyssinia to retreat. Once they retreated the Abyssinia leader, Haile Selassie went to the League of Nations for help.

The League had failed to help when they where last asked for assistance. This was when Manchuria needed aid when Japan was threatening to attack and did in 1931. The league had to keep to a strict plan and needed to impose moral sanctions upon Italy. This is when the country attacking is reminded of the covenant they signed and is asked to back down. As this did not work the league had to enforce economic sanctions. But when figuring out the limitations the league was undecided about if they should include steel, coal and oil. If they could still import and export such products this would mean Italy has an advantage, which would mean the league would have to move onto Military sanctions that would be unnecessary. Britain and France the most powerful countries in the league didn’t want to upset Mussolini for Hitler was coming to power at that time and if Mussolini was an ally of Britain and France that would be a good weapon against Germany.

As they did not want to offend Mussolini the league also refused to close to Suez canal. This was meant for Italian shipping but could also be used to transport troops. This lead to Abyssinia to be under more pressure. The Suez runs between Sinai and Egypt, and from the Mediterranean to the Red sea and is controlled by the British and French.