Abyssinia was one of the last places in Africa that was not colonised by the Europeans
Italy wanted to annex Abyssinia to expand its territory in Africa
In 1935, Italy began a full-scale invasion of Abyssinia.
Britain and France were both allies of Italy under the Stresa Front. They did not want to anger Italy, especially as they wanted to keep Italy on their side when dealing with Germany.
Abyssinia Crisis - Actions by LON
Imposed sanctions on trade of rubber and metal to Italy to pressure them to stop the invasion.
However, they delayed the ban on sale of oil to Italy as they did not want to harm the economic interests of important league members.
LON did not resort to drastic measures for fear of triggering a war.
Abyssinia Crisis - Actions by Britain and France
Britain and France did not close the Suez Canal to Italian ships thus able to ship war supplies unhindered to Abyssinia.
Negotiated the Hoare-Laval Plan to give Italy two-thirds of Abyssinia if Mussolini withdrew his troops and stop the war.
LON’s Failure at Deterring Aggression at Abyssinia - Impact
The LON’s response at Abyssinia shows they were weak and not committed to protecting the interests of small states (more interested in their national interests)
Clearly showed Hitler and Mussolini that they will be able to achieve their aims using force as the LON is too weak to control them.
Gave them the confidence to seek more power and land, leading to the outbreak of WWII.
