The Abyssinian crisis

• What did Mussolini promise as a fascist dictator?

  He promised to rebuild the Ancient Roman Empire.
• Why did Mussolini think the invasion of Abyssinia would be easy?

  Because Italy already owned small colonies bordering Abyssinia.

  
• What economic benefits did Mussolini see in invading Abyssinia?

  Abyssinia was rich in natural resources and land for grazing animals.
• What happened in 1896 regarding Italy and Abyssinia?

  Italy tried and failed to invade Abyssinia, which was humiliating for the country.

  
• What was Mussolini's expectation regarding the League of Nations after the Corfu crisis in 1923?

  He thought the League wouldn’t take action.
• What was Mussolini's belief about Britain and France's response to his ambitions?

  He was convinced they wouldn’t stop him from building an Empire.

  
• What agreement was made in the Stresa Front of 1935?

  Britain, France, and Italy agreed to unite against Hitler.
• What was the long-term impact of the Abyssinian Crisis on the League of Nations?

  • The League gradually died after the crisis.
  • Italy left the League in 1937.
  • Other countries realized the League had failed and began to re-arm.
• What new policy did Britain and France try during 1938?

  They tried a policy of 'appeasement' by negotiating directly with Hitler.
• What event caused the failure of the appeasement policy in 1939?

  Hitler invaded Czechoslovakia.
• What happened to the League of Nations when war broke out in 1939?

  The League closed down, and its headquarters in Geneva remained empty throughout the war.
• What agreement was made at the Conference in Tehran in 1943?

  America, Britain, and Russia agreed to set up a new international organization, the United Nations, after the war.
• When did the League of Nations formally abolish itself?

  On 12 April 1946.
• What did the British delegate Robert Cecil say about the League of Nations?

  He said: 'The League is dead. Long live the United Nations.'
• What were the key events of the Abyssinian Crisis in 1935?

  1. Mussolini decided to invade Abyssinia to build a new Roman Empire.

  2. He believed the invasion would be simple due to Abyssinia's underdevelopment.

  3. The League attempted to intervene but failed to prevent the invasion.

  4. Mussolini invaded on 3 October 1935 despite the League's moral condemnation.

  
• How did Mussolini's perception of Abyssinia influence his decision to invade?

  He thought it was an undeveloped country, making the invasion seem simple.

  
• Why did Mussolini think Britain and France would not object to the invasion of Abyssinia?

  Because they had colonies and had signed the Stresa Front agreeing to unite against Hitler.

  
• What was the outcome of the League's intervention in the Abyssinian Crisis?

  The League failed to prevent Mussolini's aggression.