• The League of Nations & Abyssinia: The invasion of Abyssinia highlighted the League's weakness:
  • Collective security? 🚫 - Couldn't prevent international aggression.
  • Bigger nation disputes? 🚫 - The League was a no-show.

🎭 Real-world example: Imagine a schoolyard where the teacher (League of Nations) couldn't stop a big bully (bigger nation) from picking on a smaller kid (Abyssinia).

• Italy's Dip in Popularity: Italy, especially under Mussolini, wasn't the favorite kid on the block.
  • UK & France: "We don't trust you anymore, Mussolini."
  • Result? Italy became the lonely kid in the international playground.
• But Wait! New Friends?: Mussolini wasn’t completely alone!
  • Hitler’s 🤝 Mussolini: Both sign the Rome-Berlin Axis in October 1936.
  • Bonus Fact: They both teamed up to support the Nationalists in the Spanish Civil War.

• Surprising Twists & Turns: Imagine a twisty soap opera, but with countries!

🎭 Real-world example: Two friends who used to have beef suddenly thinking about teaming up against a common enemy.

• Despite the Spain Civil War drama & Italy's new BFF relationship with Germany, there was a glimmer of hope for Italo-British relations post-Abyssinia.
• Why? UK had bigger fish to fry - looking at you, Germany & Japan.
• Gentlemen’s Agreement of January 1937: The UK and Italy made a pact.
  • Promise: Let's keep things as they are in the Mediterranean.
• But... Drama Ensues: Italy was like that friend who promises not to spill the tea but does so anyway.
  • Africa Move: Mussolini increased Italy's military presence there. Big threat to British, French colonies, and Spain.
  • Staying in Spain: Mussolini was like, "I'm not leaving until Franco wins!" ⏳
  • Germany Again: Italy joined the Anti-Comintern Pact (1937) - it's an anti-communist club!
  • League of Nations: Italy left by the end of 1937. Exit stage left! 🚪
  • Yugoslavia Pact: A new economic treaty? Mutual neutrality if things get heated. France wasn't thrilled because they were big players in the Balkans.