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Write an account of how events in Abyssinia in 1935-36 affected the League of Nations. - AQA - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 3
Write an account of how events in Abyssinia in 1935-36 affected the League of Nations.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Write an account of how events in Abyssinia in 1935-36 affected the League of Nations. - AQA - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Impact of Mussolini's Invasion
Answer
The invasion of Abyssinia by Italy in 1935 was a critical test for the League of Nations. Italy's aggressive actions exposed the League's weaknesses as it struggled to enforce collective security. Despite being a member, Italy's invasion went largely unchallenged, undermining the credibility of the League in maintaining peace.
Step 2
Failure to Implement Sanctions
Answer
In response to the invasion, the League imposed economic sanctions against Italy. However, these sanctions were not comprehensive and crucially excluded oil and coal, which diminished their effectiveness. This failure to act decisively further demonstrated the League's inability to enforce its resolutions and maintain collective security.
Step 3
Shift in International Relations
Answer
The events in Abyssinia led to a shift in international dynamics. Countries became disillusioned with the League, and some, like France and Britain, prioritized their national interests over collective action. This shift highlighted the League's ineffectiveness and contributed to the rise of aggressive states, as seen with Hitler's Germany.
Step 4
Long-Term Consequences
Answer
The Abyssinian crisis ultimately weakened the League of Nations' authority and credibility. It served as a precursor to the eventual failures of the League in the lead-up to World War II, as member states recognized the flaws in collective security and began to abandon the League's principles.