How did international actors react to Italy's invasion of Ethiopia?

International actors largely condemned Italy's invasion of Ethiopia, leading to sanctions and diplomatic isolation.

The invasion of Ethiopia by Italy in 1935 was met with widespread international condemnation. The League of Nations, the precursor to the United Nations, was particularly vocal in its disapproval. The League condemned the invasion and imposed economic sanctions on Italy. However, these sanctions were largely ineffective as they did not include vital resources such as oil, and many countries did not fully enforce them. The United States, although not a member of the League, also imposed economic sanctions on Italy.

The invasion was seen as a clear violation of the League's principles, which were designed to maintain international peace and prevent aggression. The League's inability to prevent or effectively respond to the invasion highlighted its weaknesses and contributed to its eventual dissolution. The invasion also strained Italy's relations with other major powers. Britain and France, in particular, were critical of the invasion but were also concerned about pushing Italy towards an alliance with Nazi Germany.

The Soviet Union was one of the few countries to support Ethiopia, providing it with arms and other forms of assistance. However, this support was limited and did not significantly alter the course of the conflict. The invasion also sparked protests and fundraising campaigns in many countries, particularly among African and African diaspora communities.

In the aftermath of the invasion, Italy faced diplomatic isolation. Many countries refused to recognise the annexation of Ethiopia and relations with Italy were strained. However, the international response was largely ineffective in reversing the invasion or punishing Italy. The invasion marked a turning point in international relations, highlighting the limitations of the League of Nations and the growing tensions that would eventually lead to World War II.