Italy's Withdrawal from the League of Nations in 1937

Italy's decision to leave the League of Nations in 1937 was the culmination of growing disillusionment and strategic realignment. While the immediate trigger was the League's condemnation of Italy's invasion of Abyssinia, several underlying factors contributed to this decision.

Haile Selassie's Appeal and the Imposition of Sanctions

Italy's invasion of Abyssinia in 1935 presented a critical test for the League. Haile Selassie, the Emperor of Abyssinia, directly appealed to the League for assistance, placing pressure on the organization to act. The League responded by imposing economic sanctions on Italy. However, these sanctions were limited in scope and poorly enforced. For instance, crucial materials like oil and steel were not included in the embargo. This weak response undermined the League's credibility and fueled Mussolini's resentment.

Lack of Support from Britain and France

Italy felt betrayed by the lack of support from Britain and France, both key League members. Hoping to secure Italian support against a rising Germany, Britain and France wavered in their commitment to Abyssinia. The Hoare-Laval Pact, a secret plan to appease Italy by offering them a large portion of Abyssinia, further alienated Italy when it was leaked to the public. This episode highlighted the self-interest driving the League's major powers and demonstrated their unwillingness to confront aggression when it conflicted with their own strategic considerations.

Mussolini's Alignment with Hitler

The Abyssinian Crisis pushed Mussolini closer to Hitler, who had already withdrawn Germany from the League in 1933. Both dictators shared a disdain for the League, viewing it as an impediment to their expansionist ambitions. The formation of the Rome-Berlin Axis in 1936 solidified this alliance, further distancing Italy from the League. With a powerful ally in Germany, Mussolini felt emboldened to defy the League and pursue his own agenda.

The League's Perceived Weakness

The Abyssinian Crisis exposed the fundamental weaknesses of the League. Its inability to effectively counter Italy's aggression, coupled with the hypocrisy of its leading members, shattered any illusion of collective security. The League's failure served as a stark reminder of the limitations of international cooperation in the face of determined aggression, ultimately pushing Italy further away.

Conclusion

Italy's departure from the League in 1937 was not simply a reaction to the Abyssinian Crisis. It was a calculated decision rooted in a complex web of factors. The League's impotence, the betrayal by former allies, and the allure of an alliance with Germany all played a part in Mussolini's decision. This withdrawal marked a significant turning point in the interwar period, signaling the League's impending demise and foreshadowing the outbreak of another devastating world war.

**Bibliography**

MacMillan, M. (2003). *Paris 1919: Six Months That Changed the World*. Random House Trade Paperbacks.
Lowe, C. J. (2010). *Inferno: The World at War, 1939-1945*. Knopf.