History Module 2 - League of Nations

Question 1

Why was there a crisis in 1921 in Upper Silesia?

Answer 1

1. The crisis in Upper Silesia in 1921 stemmed from the region’s mixed German and Polish population, leading to conflicting claims by Germany and the newly independent Poland. Both nations sought control over the area due to its significant industrial value, including rich coal mines and industrial infrastructure, which were crucial for their economic recovery and growth post-World War I.
2. The situation was further complicated by the Versailles Treaty, which stipulated a plebiscite to determine the region’s future. The anticipation and conduct of the vote heightened tensions, leading to violent clashes between German and Polish communities, as well as between their respective paramilitary groups, as both sides sought to influence the outcome in their favor.

Question 2

Why was the work of the League’s agencies for refugees and health important?

Answer 2

1. The League’s agencies for refugees helped manage the post-war refugee crisis by providing support and legal recognition, aiding in the resettlement and integration of displaced individuals across Europe.
2. The health agency contributed to global public health by coordinating efforts to combat infectious diseases, setting the stage for modern international health cooperation and improving overall health conditions.

Question 3

Why did Japan withdraw from the League of Nations in 1933?

Answer 3

1. Japan withdrew from the League of Nations in 1933 following the League’s condemnation of its invasion and subsequent occupation of Manchuria. Japan’s aggressive military expansion into China violated the League’s principles of collective security and territorial sovereignty, leading to international criticism that Japan was unwilling to accept.
2. The withdrawal also reflected Japan’s growing nationalism and militarism, which prioritized imperial expansion over international cooperation. Rejecting the League’s decision allowed Japan to pursue its interests in Asia without being bound by the constraints of international opinion or the League’s collective security mechanisms.

Question 4

Why did Haile Selassie speak to the Assembly of the League of Nations in June 1936?

Answer 4

1. Haile Selassie addressed the Assembly of the League of Nations in June 1936 to appeal for international assistance following Italy’s invasion of Ethiopia. He sought to highlight the breach of the League’s covenant by Italy, a member nation, in its unprovoked aggression and use of chemical weapons against his country, aiming to mobilize support for Ethiopia’s cause and restoration of its sovereignty.
2. His speech was also an effort to underscore the failure of the League’s principle of collective security. By presenting the case of Ethiopia as a test of the League’s effectiveness in maintaining international peace and preventing aggression, Haile Selassie aimed to advocate for the importance of upholding international law and the consequences of the League’s inaction for global peace.

Question 5

Why was the Depression important for the League of Nations?

Answer 5

1. The Depression highlighted the limitations of the League of Nations in addressing global economic crises. The League was primarily designed for diplomatic conflict resolution and lacked the mechanisms and authority to tackle the widespread economic downturn, underscoring the need for more comprehensive international institutions capable of managing such challenges.
2. The economic instability exacerbated by the Depression also undermined the political stability of numerous countries, leading to increased nationalism and protectionism. This environment made it more difficult for the League to fulfil its mission of promoting peace and cooperation, as countries became more focused on domestic issues and less willing to engage in collective international efforts.

Question 6

Why was the League’s failure over Corfu important?

Answer 6

1. The League’s failure over Corfu in 1923 highlighted its inability to enforce decisions equally against larger, more powerful nations. When Italy invaded Corfu following a dispute with Greece, the League was unable to compel Italy to withdraw without concessions, demonstrating the limitations of its authority and the influence of major powers within its structure.
2. This failure undermined the credibility of the League of Nations and its principle of collective security. It set a precedent that aggressive actions by powerful countries could go unchecked, encouraging similar actions by other nations and diminishing the League’s role as an effective mediator in international conflicts.

Question 7

Why were some major powers not members of the League?

Answer 7

1. The United States never joined the League of Nations due to opposition within its Senate. Despite President Woodrow Wilson being a key architect of the League, the Senate refused to ratify the Treaty of Versailles, largely because of concerns over compromising US sovereignty and entangling the country in European affairs and conflicts.
2. The Soviet Union was not an original member of the League due to its communist government, which was viewed with suspicion and hostility by many of the founding members. It was not until 1934 that the Soviet Union was invited to join, as part of a strategy to bolster the League’s membership and counter the rising threat of Nazi Germany.

Question 8

Why were the failures of the League of Nations in the 1930s important to Hitler?

Answer 8

1. The League’s inability to stop aggressive actions by countries showed Hitler that the international community might not strongly oppose his expansionist plans, encouraging him to pursue them more boldly.
2. The League’s failures weakened the concept of collective security, making it easier for Hitler to annex territories without facing significant international opposition.