LON - topic 2 Flashcards
(30 cards)
What were the four main aims of the League of Nations?
- To discourage aggression from any nation
- To encourage countries to cooperate, especially in business and trade
- To encourage nations to disarm
- To improve living and working conditions globally
These aims were foundational to the League’s mission and objectives.
What role did Article 10 of the League of Nations play?
It established collective security, allowing member nations to act together to prevent aggression
Collective security was seen as a core principle of the League’s operations.
How did the membership of the League weaken its position?
- The USA did not join the League
- Britain and France dominated the League
- Germany and Russia were initially excluded
The absence of major powers significantly diminished the League’s authority and effectiveness.
What was the structure of the League’s Council?
- Permanent members: UK, France, Italy, Japan
- Temporary members elected for 3-year terms
The Council was responsible for making decisions regarding disputes and peacekeeping.
What were some weaknesses of the League of Nations from the start?
- The USA never joined
- Members often acted in their own interests
- Decisions required unanimous consent
- Lacked military enforcement capabilities
These weaknesses hindered the League’s ability to effectively manage international conflicts.
What was the outcome of the Åland Islands dispute?
The League proposed that the Åland Islands remain part of Finland with guarantees for Swedish culture
This was considered a successful resolution by the League.
What happened during the Corfu Crisis?
Mussolini occupied Corfu after the killing of an Italian general, leading to a failure of the League to enforce its decision
This incident highlighted the League’s inability to handle aggression from a major power.
How did the League of Nations assist with the refugee crisis post-WWI?
- Facilitated repatriation
- Provided legal rights and protections
- Issued Nansen Passports for stateless refugees
The League’s humanitarian efforts were significant but faced challenges during the Great Depression.
What was the focus of the Health Committee of the League?
- Collecting health data
- Linking with non-member countries for public health
- Developing vaccines
The Health Committee made notable strides in global health initiatives.
What was the aim of the Slavery Commission?
- To end slavery and forced prostitution
- To challenge forced labor practices
The Commission was involved in significant humanitarian efforts and achieved notable rescues.
Fill in the blank: The League of Nations was founded after _______.
World War I
The League was established to promote peace and prevent future conflicts.
What were the main challenges faced by the League during the 1930s?
- The Great Depression
- Rise of aggressive totalitarian regimes
- Failure of disarmament efforts
These challenges significantly undermined the League’s effectiveness and credibility.
What was the outcome of the dispute between Weimar Germany and Poland over Upper Silesia?
The League oversaw a plebiscite and suggested partition, which was accepted by both sides
This dispute is considered one of the League’s successes.
What did the International Labour Organisation aim to improve?
- Working conditions
- Minimum employment age
- Health and safety regulations
The ILO worked to establish labor rights and standards internationally.
How did the Great Depression affect support for extremist parties?
An increased number of people began supporting extremist parties due to unemployment and suffering
What was the impact of the Great Depression on international trade?
International trade and cooperation declined
Why did the League struggle to impose economic sanctions during the Great Depression?
Countries feared sanctions would further damage their own economies
Which countries were the main powers of the League during the Great Depression?
Britain and France
What was the Manchurian crisis?
Japanese soldiers staged an incident along the railway in September 1931, using it as an excuse to invade Manchuria
What did the League of Nations do in response to the Manchurian crisis?
Sent a group of representatives to examine the case
When did Japan withdraw from the League of Nations?
27th March 1933
What was a key reason the League did not impose military sanctions against Japan?
Fear of losing trade with the Far East
What was the impact of the weak response of the League on other nations?
Weaker nations lost confidence in the League
What was one reason disarmament failed in the 1930s?
Countries were scared to be the first to disarm
