To what extent was the League of Nations a success? Flashcards
(20 cards)
What were the four main aims of the League of Nations?
To discourage aggression, encourage cooperation (especially in trade), improve living and working conditions, and encourage disarmament.
What was the structure of the League of Nations?
t included the Assembly, the Council, the Permanent Court of International Justice, and various committees (e.g. for health, refugees).
Why was the absence of the USA a major weakness for the League?
The League lacked authority, economic strength, and credibility without the world’s most powerful nation
Name two other key countries that weakened the League by not joining or leaving.
Germany (initially not allowed to join) and the USSR (joined late); Japan and Italy left in the 1930s.
What powers did the League have to enforce its decisions?
Moral condemnation, economic sanctions, and (in theory) military force—but it had no standing army
What happened in the Vilna dispute (1920), and how did the League respond?
Poland seized Vilna from Lithuania. The League protested but did nothing when Poland refused to withdraw.
What was the Aaland Islands dispute (1920–21), and how was it resolved?
Dispute between Sweden and Finland. The League gave the islands to Finland—both sides accepted peacefully (a success).
What was the Corfu incident (1923), and why was it a failure for the League?
Italy invaded Corfu after the murder of Italian officials. The League condemned Italy, but Greece was forced to pay compensation. Italy ignored the League and was supported by the Conference of Ambassadors.
What happened in the Bulgaria dispute (1925), and what was the result?
Greek troops invaded Bulgaria after a border incident. The League ordered Greece to withdraw and pay compensation—Greece obeyed. Seen as a success, but revealed double standards.
Name two areas where the League’s humanitarian work had an impact.
Helped hundreds of thousands of refugees return home; fought disease through its Health Organisation.
How did the League combat slavery and poor working conditions?
It freed over 200,000 slaves and worked to limit child labour and reduce working hours.
In what ways did the League improve health worldwide?
Its Health Organisation worked on eradicating diseases like malaria and leprosy and set up a global information network.
How did the Great Depression affect the League of Nations?
Countries focused on their own economies, were less willing to cooperate or impose sanctions, and militaristic leaders gained power.
What caused the Manchurian Crisis (1931–33)?
Japan invaded Manchuria after a staged railway explosion and claimed China couldn’t control the region.
How did the League respond to the Manchurian Crisis?
It took a year to investigate; it condemned Japan, but Japan ignored it and left the League—no sanctions were imposed.
What was the outcome of the Manchurian Crisis for the League?
It showed the League was powerless against large powers and encouraged future aggression.
What caused the Abyssinian Crisis (1935–36)?
Mussolini’s Italy invaded Abyssinia (Ethiopia) in pursuit of empire and revenge.
How did the League respond to the Abyssinian Crisis?
t imposed weak sanctions and allowed vital goods (like oil) to be traded; Britain and France made the secret Hoare-Laval Pact to give Abyssinia to Italy.
What were the consequences of the Abyssinian Crisis for the League?
It was seen as a betrayal of its principles. Italy left the League and allied with Hitler—League credibility was destroyed.
Overall, to what extent was the League successful in the 1920s vs. the 1930s?
More successful in the 1920s (smaller disputes, cooperation possible); largely failed in the 1930s due to weak enforcement and major crises.
