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Conflict and Tension 1918-1939Deep Dive

Why Did Sanctions Fail?

Part of Abyssinia Crisis — GCSE History

This deep dive covers Why Did Sanctions Fail? within Abyssinia Crisis for GCSE History. Revise Abyssinia Crisis in Conflict and Tension 1918-1939 for GCSE History with 8 exam-style questions and 5 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 3 of 10 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 3 of 10

Practice

8 questions

Recall

5 flashcards

🧠 Why Did Sanctions Fail?

No oil ban — Italy's army needed oil. League didn't ban it because Britain and France feared war.
Suez Canal stayed open — British-controlled canal. Could have blocked Italian supply ships. Didn't.
USA not in League — American companies kept trading with Italy.
Fear of Germany — Britain and France wanted Italy as ally against Hitler. Didn't want to alienate Mussolini.
Result: Sanctions were weak and ineffective. Italy conquered Abyssinia anyway.

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Timeline of the CrisisWhy Did This Happen?Setting the SceneKey Terms

Practice Questions for Abyssinia Crisis

What was the Wal-Wal Incident of December 1934?

  • A. Italy formally declared war on Abyssinia at the oasis of Wal-Wal
  • B. A clash between Italian and Abyssinian troops at an oasis on the disputed border
  • C. The League of Nations voted to impose sanctions after a battle at Wal-Wal
  • D. Emperor Haile Selassie appealed to the League after troops mutinied at Wal-Wal
1 markfoundation

What did the Hoare-Laval Pact propose?

  • A. Immediate military intervention by Britain and France to defend Abyssinia
  • B. Total economic blockade of Italy including an oil embargo
  • C. A secret deal to give Italy approximately two-thirds of Abyssinia in exchange for peace
  • D. The expulsion of Italy from the League of Nations for its aggression
1 markfoundation

Quick Recall Flashcards

Why did sanctions fail?
No oil ban, Suez Canal stayed open, USA not in League
What was the Hoare-Laval Pact?
Secret deal to give Italy 2/3 of Abyssinia — leaked, both ministers resigned

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Why Did This Happen?