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Why couldn’t the League of Nations protect Ethiopia from Italian invasion

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The League of Nations was unable to protect Ethiopia from the Italian invasion in the 1930s for several reasons:

  1. Limited Authority and Power: The League of Nations lacked the authority and military capability to enforce its resolutions. Member states were not obligated to provide military assistance or intervene in conflicts, which reduced the League's effectiveness in cases like Ethiopia.

  2. Self-Interest of Major Powers: Key member states, particularly those with their own imperial interests, were reluctant to oppose Italy. For instance, Britain and France were more focused on maintaining relations with Italy to counter the rise of Nazi Germany than on defending Ethiopia, leading to a lack of strong collective action against the invasion.

  3. Sanctions and Ineffectiveness: The League imposed economic sanctions against Italy, but these were largely ineffective. Major commodities that Italy required were not included in the sanctions, and nations like the United States, which was not a League member, continued to trade with Italy. The sanctions did not significantly impact Italy’s military capabilities.

  4. Internal Division within the League: The League was plagued by internal disagreements among its members. Various nations had different priorities and views on how to handle the Italian aggression, which undermined a united response.

  5. Timing and Speed of the Invasion: The invasion of Ethiopia began in October 1935, and the League's response was slow. By the time sanctions were enacted and diplomatic efforts were made, Italy had already gained significant ground in the conflict.

  6. Misperception of The Threat: Many League members underestimated the severity of Italy's aggression and its implications for international peace and security. This misjudgment contributed to their reluctance to take decisive action.

As a result of these factors, Ethiopia was left vulnerable, and the invasion culminated in Italy's occupation of the country, undermining the League's credibility and effectiveness as an international peacekeeping organization.