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Topic 4 of 8 · Form 3

The League of Nations

Collective security, disarmament, improving living and working conditions; the Assembly, Council, Secretariat, Permanent Court of International Justice, and agencies (ILO, Health Committee, Refugees, Slavery Commission).

Notes for this topic 1 file, in order

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  1. PDFThe League of Nations – History notes (Cambridge O Level)45.5 KB

Aims and structure

Collective security, disarmament, improving living and working conditions; the Assembly, Council, Secretariat, Permanent Court of International Justice, and agencies (ILO, Health Committee, Refugees, Slavery Commission).

Successes in the 1920s

Settlement of disputes (Åland Islands 1921, Upper Silesia, Greece–Bulgaria 1925), humanitarian work (refugees, health, fighting slavery).

Weaknesses

The USA never joined; Germany and the USSR were initially excluded; decisions needed unanimity; no army of its own; sanctions were weak; Britain and France pursued their own interests.

Failures in the 1930s

  • Manchuria (1931–33): Japan invaded; the Lytton Report condemned Japan, which left the League.
  • Abyssinia (1935–36): Italy invaded; sanctions did not include oil; the Hoare–Laval Pact undermined the League.
  • The Depression made countries more aggressive and less willing to act.
Exam tip: Explain how specific weaknesses caused specific failures – e.g. the absence of the USA weakened economic sanctions.

Check yourself

  1. Why did the absence of the USA weaken the League?
  2. What did the Lytton Report conclude?
  3. Give one success of the League in the 1920s.
Show answers
  1. Sanctions were less effective, and the League lacked the most powerful economy's support.
  2. That Japan was wrong to invade Manchuria and it should be returned to China.
  3. Any one: Åland Islands, Upper Silesia, Greek–Bulgarian dispute, refugee and health work.
Next topicThe road to the Second World War

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