The League of Nations

The League of Nations

• 1.
  The League ofNations AIMS STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES FLASHPOINT FAILURE
• 2.
  Encourage co-operationPeace in the World Disarmament Improve social conditions AIMS *Remember: the devastation of WW1 had horrified countries throughout the world. The League of Nations was seen as the only way to maintain the PEACE.
• 3.
  Many countries supportedit in early days as there was a real desire for co-operation amongst nations Had some early successes: Settled some land disputes in 1920’s helped refugees, dealt with spread of disease, fought for better conditions for people (This brought early confidence) STRENGTHS We represent each one of the strengths of the League of Nations!
• 4.
  USA did notJoin (Even though it had been President Wilson’s idea. WW1 made the USA weary of getting involved in Europe’s affairs and instead isolate itself from them.) The League did not have an ARMY! Instead, they relied on putting economic sanctions on a country eg: stop trading Disarmament was not realistic WEAKNESSES I represent the League’s weaknesses. It had no real strengths and relied upon goodwill!
• 5.
  The American Congress(Parliament) refused to allow President Wilson to join the League of Nations. It wanted isolation from the problems of Europe. WEAKNESS: ABSENCE of powerful countries (USA and the USSR did not join the League of Nations. Without the USA – the most powerful country in the world – the League did not manage to look strong enough to influence countries.) Russia was not allowed to join because it was a Communist country. This would later leave out another powerful country.
• 6.
  WEAKNESS: A STRUCTUREfor disaster The League of Nations had a structure where every single country had to agree in order to get something done. This meant SLOW progress. A picture of the leaders who represented the countries of the League LEAGUE OF NATIONS Remember: we all have to agree before we take any action! “ We should ban them from trading with us!” “ I think that’s too harsh!” “ Lets deal with the problem straight away!” “ Lets wait and give it more time!” “ We should do it this way.” “ No we shouldn’t. Lets do it my way!” Such arguments meant that it took long periods of time to get anything done.
• 7.
  FLASHPOINT ItalyInvades Abyssinia 1935 “ I invaded the independent country of Abyssinia in 1935. I wanted an Empire like Italy’s great Roman past. I knew my Army would be OK because the League of Nations did not have one! I saw it as merely a talking shop. They put economic sanctions on Italy but it made no difference to me. I got away with large areas of Abyssinia.”
• 8.
  Hmmmm….very interesting! Britainand France were too afraid of war and did nothing to defend Abyssinia. What they did do was to give large areas of Abyssinia to Italy in order to persuade them to withdraw. I wonder if I could get away with such a move???
• 9.
  F rance and Britain afraid of War A bsent powers (USA and Russia) I neffective sanctions L ack of an armed force U nfair treaty (When dealing with Hitler) R eaching decisions too slowly (Structure for Disaster) E uropean club, everyone had to agree Why was the League of Nations a F.A.I.L.U.R.E ?
• 10.
  The League ofNations AIMS STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES FLASHPOINT FAILURE