Topic Two : To what extent was the League of Nations a success? Flashcards
The Covenant of the League covered which 3 points?
- Disarmament - Sustain military resources to maintain own security, not to use arms as a means of aggression
- Arbitration - Process driven, issues between states to be solved through international court system to ensure impartiality
- Sanctions - In the event of a deliberate act of aggression
The Collective Security principle covered which 3 points?
- Moral Disapproval - Condemnation of aggression, aim to isolate the agitator from approval
- Economic Sanctions - Trade Boycott, Lack development credit,
- Military Sanctions - Collective armed support as a last resort
What was the role of the ‘Assembly’?
Met once per year, Decisions had to be unanimous, made major decisions
What was the role of the ‘Council’?
Settle major disputes
4 permanent members (Britain, France, Italy and Japan), as well as temporary members, voted in by the Assembly. Permanent member had a veto, whilst the Council could also administer economic sanctions or decide to use military sanctions
What was the role of the ‘Comissions’?
These were branches of the League set up to deal with problems caused by the First World War, such as refugees, global health and working conditions. They included: The Health Committee
What were the reasons for the USA failing to join?
- It was seen as linked to the TOV, deemed unfair by many Americans
- It was seen as upholding colonial interests of Britain and France
What were seen as some of the major weaknesses of the Assembly?
- Met only once per year
- Lacked other major powers especially USA & Russia
- Struggled to contain emerging dictators i.e The Axis= Powers
Name 3 significant disputes that the League had to deal with during the 1920s?
Aaland Islands
Greece/ Bulgaria
Vilnius
Corfu
In what ways was the League impacted by the Great Depression?
Rising unemployment
Democratic government forced to cut spending
Growth of Nationalism
USA forced to recall loans to especially Germany
Growth of countries focusing on individual interests and not collective security
Why did Japan invade Manchuria?
Economic issues as a result of the great depression
Gain more land for food and resource production
What was the Lytton Commission?
A commission focused on the issues of Manchuria
Why did Italy invade Abyssinia?
Failures from previous invasions
A small conflict in 1934 where Mussolini demanded compensation
How did the League punish the Italian invasion of Abyssinia?
Economic sanctions such as preventing the sales of arms, cutting credit and loans to the Italian government
What was the Hoare- Laval Pact?
A secret deal between Britain, France and Italy where Italy received some Abyssinina territory in return for stopping the war.
Why was the League particularly concerned about the aggression of Mussolini?
As Hitler was becoming more aggressive with German expansion also
