Background
In 1923, Emperor Haile Selassie I negotiated the entry of Ethiopia into the League of Nations, where it joined Italy as a full sovereign member. After the horror of World War One, many politicians put their trust in the League to ensure the rule of international law, peace, diplomacy, and justice. On the 3rd Oct 1935, Italy invaded Ethiopia.
The League of Nations was founded on the principle of non-aggression between members. Italy broke this principle of "collective security" when it invaded Ethiopia without provocation. Most disturbingly, members of the League did not respond to this aggression in any meaningful way.
By this point in time, Italy had become a fascist state under the leadership of Il Duce - Benito Mussolini - who was intent on expanding and consolidating his African empire - Africa Orientale Italiana. Under Emperor Menelik II, Ethiopia had successfully resisted Italy's first attempt at colonisation in 1896 at the Battle of Adwa. Mussolini sought to rectify this historical defeat and finally take all of Ethiopia for Italy.
Work through the various sections below to investigate the impact of the Italy/Ethiopia war on British society, as well as the four year residence of Haile Selassie I and the royal family in the city of Bath.
In 1923, Emperor Haile Selassie I negotiated the entry of Ethiopia into the League of Nations, where it joined Italy as a full sovereign member. After the horror of World War One, many politicians put their trust in the League to ensure the rule of international law, peace, diplomacy, and justice. On the 3rd Oct 1935, Italy invaded Ethiopia.
The League of Nations was founded on the principle of non-aggression between members. Italy broke this principle of "collective security" when it invaded Ethiopia without provocation. Most disturbingly, members of the League did not respond to this aggression in any meaningful way.
By this point in time, Italy had become a fascist state under the leadership of Il Duce - Benito Mussolini - who was intent on expanding and consolidating his African empire - Africa Orientale Italiana. Under Emperor Menelik II, Ethiopia had successfully resisted Italy's first attempt at colonisation in 1896 at the Battle of Adwa. Mussolini sought to rectify this historical defeat and finally take all of Ethiopia for Italy.
Work through the various sections below to investigate the impact of the Italy/Ethiopia war on British society, as well as the four year residence of Haile Selassie I and the royal family in the city of Bath.
The land of Prester JohnHow did mythical references to the land of "Prester John" influence British perceptions of Ethiopia?
Fairfield HouseWhat was life like at Haile Selassie I's residence in Bath, and what is the cultural legacy of Fairfield House?
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Britain supports EthiopiaWhy and how did the British public support Ethiopia in its struggle against Italian fascism?
Pan-Africanism and EthiopiaWhy did people of African heritage rally around the Ethiopian cause and what effect did this have on Pan-Africanism?
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When Britain loved RastafariWhat did ordinary people think about Haile Selassie I during his four year exile in Britain (1936-1940)?
Three women for EthiopiaWhat contributions did women make to the Ethiopian cause, and what can they tell us about pursuing global justice?
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ADDRESS TO THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS!
On 30th June 1936, Haile Selassie I spoke in person to the League of Nations in Geneva regarding Italy’s invasion of Ethiopia. and the fact that the League's members had done nothing to stop the fascist aggression.
“I assert that the problem submitted to the Assembly today is a much wider one. It is not
merely a question of the settlement of Italian aggression. It is collective security: it is the
very existence of the League of Nations. It is the confidence that each state is to place in
international treaties. It is the value of promises made to small states that their integrity
and their independence shall be respected and ensured. It is the principle of the equality
of states on the one hand, or otherwise the obligation laid upon small powers to accept
the bonds of vassalship. In a word, it is international morality that is at stake.”