Work of the League of Nations in the 1920s

Question 1

The League made valuable contributions to social issues

Answer 1

Helped post-WWI refugees, sent 500,000 war prisoners home, introduced a slavery commission (200,000 freed from countries e.g. Burma), established health organisations (stopped the spread of diseases e.g. Malaria) and set up an International Labour Organisation which introduced minimum wages and limits on working hours.

Question 2

Resolved disputes

Answer 2

The actions of pacifism paired with success gave the League a good reputation

Question 3

Problem: Upper Silesia

Answer 3

Upper Silesia was a region with valuable industry. At the time, it was being decided whether Poland or Germany should be allowed to colonise this area. The referendum sponsored by the League was too close so the League had to step in and decide that the land would be split and shared between the 2 nations. Everyone accepted this.

Question 4

Problem: the Aaland Islands

Answer 4

The Aaland islands were located between Sweden and Finland in the Baltic Sea. The Islanders wanted to be ruled by Sweden. Finland was willing to go to war over them. The League therefore decided that the islands should remain Finnish.

Question 5

Problem: Bulgaria

Answer 5

Bulgaria was invaded by Greece in 1925 after several border disputes between the two nations involving a bolting dog. A Greek captain was gunned down when signalling for cease fire as a result. Bulgaria were furious and appealed to the League. They ordered Greece to withdraw their troops and they obeyed.