The League in the 1930s Flashcards
What was the effect of the economic depression on the League of Nations?
- As USA loans dried up, businesses went bankrupt leading to unemployment
- Some countries protected their industries by putting tariffs on imports
- Many countries started to rearm to give people jobs. But this caused alarm and tension
- It also caused countries to not keep international peace as a priority
- Economic sanctions were useless
- Japan wanted to invade other countries to get raw materials
- Italy wanted an overseas empire to distract its people from what was really going on
Describe the Manchurian Crisis
Background: The Depression hit Japan hard. They decided they needed an empire to provide resources and markets.
Invasion 1, 1931: Chinese troops attacked Japanese armed forces. Japan used this as an excuse to invade China. They set up Manchuko
The League presented their report one year after the invasion, because transport was difficult. Ruled that Manchuria should be returned.
Invasion 2: Instead of withdrawing, in 1933, China refused and stood ground and announced that they would invade more of China. League voted 42 to 1 against Japan. Japan left the League. Invaded Jehol.
League’s response: League was powerless. Sanctions useless without USA who was Japan’s biggest trading partner. Britain wanted a good relationship with Japan. Didn’t want to ban arms because of war. Japan said China was on the brink of anarchy, so it didn’t matter.
Success? : NO
What was the Disarmament conference?
It was a conference that had began in February 1932. By July 1932, its resolutions included:
- prohibition of civilian bombing
- limit size of artillery
- limit tonnage of tanks
- prohibit chemical warfare
BUT:
- prohibition of bombing planes was defeated
- prohibition of chemical warfare also defeated
What were the problems surrounding German disarmament
- Germany was in the League, and most agreed they should be treated the same way as everyone else
- Should Germany arm to their level? Or should every one else disarm to German’s level
Describe Germany’s movements in the Disarmament Conference
[1932]
July: Germany proposed everyone disarming down to their level. Conference failed to agree and Germany walked out.
September: British sent Germany a note, but the superior tone further angered the Germans
December: Agreement reached for equality
[1933]
January: Germany announced its return
February: Hitler became chancellor - secret rearmament
May: Hitler promised not to rearm if in 5 years all other nations destroyed arms
June: Britain produced an ambitious disarmament plan, but didn’t get support.
October: Hitler withdrew from the conference and soon, took Germany out of the League together.
Why did the Conference fail?
- Britain and France were divided on the issue. Many British felt that ToV was unfair.
- To the dismay of the French, Britain signed a treaty allowing Germany to rearm upto 35% of its army.
- Everyone looking after themselves
Describe the events of the Abyssinian Crisis
Between: Italy and Abyssinia
Date: 1935
Events:
Background: In 1896, the Italians were defeated by a poorly equipped group of tribesman. Italy wanted revenge. Invaded.
Phase 1: League Plays For Time
- Britain and France didn’t take the problem seriously
- Wanted Mussolini as an ally against Hitler
- British people wanted people to use force
- League made a plan to give some of Abyssinia but Mussolini rejected
Phase 2: Sanctions?
- Abyssinia no match for Italians
- Banned sales of arms, loans, imports, rubber, tin and metals.
- But sanctions over oil exports was not clear - delayed
- Scared to close Suez canal and damage economy due to sanctions
What was the Hoare-Laval Pact?
- December 1935
- Between British and French foreign ministers
- Aimed to give 2/3rds of Abyssinia to Mussolini in return for stopping the attack
- Leaked to French press
- Hoare and Laval were sacked
What were the outcomes of the Abyssinian Crisis?
- Hitler timed his move brilliantly and moved into the Rhineland
- French really wanted Italian support and were willing to give away Abyssinia
- Mussolini took over Abyssinia on 9th May
- Mussolini and Hitler signed Rome-Berlin Axis.
