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Nazi attempt to take Austria
On 25 July 1934, Austrian chancellor Engelbert Dollfuss was assassinated by Nazis in a failed coup. -
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The Abysinnian Crisis
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The Wal-Wal incident
A force of 1,000 Ethiopian militia confront Italian forces at the Wal-Wal oasis. Mussolini demands an apology from Abysinnian emperor Haile Selassie, who appeals to the League. The Italian army prepares for invasion. -
Skirmishes
Fighting between Abysinnians and Italians, each blaming the other for the violence -
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Phase 1
The League plays for time - Mussolini is supposedly negotiating with the League of Nations, though is actually shipping a huge amount of troops to Abysinnia -
The Rome Agreements
French foreign minister Pierre Laval meets Mussolini in Rome, making many agreements involving Abysinnia. He makes it clear that France has no interests in the free African country, and doesn't raise questions about Mussolini's military actions. -
Italian Soldiers killed
5 Italians are killed near the Wal-Wal oasis -
Mussolini Mobilises
Mussolini starts to send large amounts of troops to Italian land surrounding Abysinnia, to international protest -
The Stresa Front
Britain, France and Italy sign this pact after Germany's volatile moves, such as reintroducing conscription. They agree to unite against any agressor in Europe. -
The League is ignored
After many cries for help from Abysinnia, Italy is still ignoring international pressure, and continues to mobilise troops around the area -
League Discussions
The League meets to discuss the crisis, but no decisive action has been taken -
Arms Embargo on Italy
Britain bans the sale of arms to both Italy and Ethiopia, following fruitless discussions with Mussolini. However, British warships clear the Mediterranean, allowing Italy easy access to Abysinnia -
Word from the Committee
After 8 months, a committee reports on the events of November 1934. The so-called Wal-Wal incident sparked Italy's agression, but the report states that neither Italy nor Abysinnia could be held responsible. The League puts forward a plan to give Mussolini some of Abysinnia, which is rejected. -
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Phase 2
Sanctions or not? Army ready, Mussolini invades Abysinnia. However, the League is seriously ineffective in trying to issue sanctions against Italy. -
War
Italy invades Ethiopia unnanouncedm and Abysinnia then declares war. the Abysinnian army is being slaughtered, as Italy demonstrates the full power of modern, chemical weapons. -
League is slow
Italy is declared the aggressor, and sanctions are imposed. However, oil trade is not boycotted, and the Suez Canal is left wide open, letting Italian forces through. -
Hoare-Laval Pact leaked
Details of an agreement that meant that Britain and France would effectively give most of Abysinnia to Italy are leaked to French press, causing uproar. Mussolini, who was about to accept, turns to Hitler for an alliance instead. -
Hitler moves into the Rhineland
Europe is terrified - Hitler has violated the Treaty of Versailles, and France is desperate for support from Italy, and are willing to give Abysinnia to Italy -
Addis Ababa Captured
The Abysinnian capital is captured, and the League's sanctions are dropped. Ethiopia becomes an Italian colony