The League tried economic pressure, but its members left gaps that allowed Italy to continue its conquest.
In October 1935, Italy invaded Abyssinia, now Ethiopia, in East Africa. Both were members of the League of Nations, so this tested collective security: would other members act together to protect a country under attack? The League identified Italy as the aggressor and imposed economic sanctions, restrictions on trade and finance intended to pressure it to stop.
The pressure was limited. Oil was not included in the sanctions applied, so Italy could still buy an important supply for its armed forces. The Suez Canal, the shipping route through Egypt between the Mediterranean and Red Sea, also remained open to Italian ships. Britain and France feared that stronger action could bring war with Italy, and wanted Italian help in opposing Germany. These priorities reduced their willingness to act firmly against Italy.
The Hoare-Laval proposals of December 1935, drawn up by the British and French foreign ministers, would have given Italy large gains at Abyssinia's expense. Public criticism forced the plan to be abandoned, but it damaged confidence that Britain and France would defend smaller states. Italy captured the capital, Addis Ababa, in May 1936 and declared the country annexed, meaning taken into its empire. Sanctions were later removed. Conquest despite League action weakened trust in collective security and showed that a powerful aggressor might face limited resistance.
Worked example: Why sanctions did not stop the campaign
League members restricted some trade with Italy, but Italian forces continued fighting.
- Sanctions were intended to make continuing the war harder and more costly. They were a real response, not just a speech.
- Leaving oil outside the restrictions and keeping the canal open reduced the pressure on Italy's supplies and transport.
- Britain and France held back because they feared war with Italy and wanted its help against Germany. Their national priorities weakened the joint response.
Watch out for this
The League did nothing about Abyssinia.
It condemned Italy and applied sanctions. Explain why these measures were insufficient rather than erasing them.
Check your understanding
Which evidence best explains why the sanctions put insufficient pressure on Italy?
- Italy and Abyssinia were both members of the League.
- Oil was left outside the sanctions, and Italian ships could still use the Suez Canal.
- The League formally identified Italy as the aggressor.