Failure+of+the+League+of+Nations

//edited/revised by Jamie Newel, Period A//
 * Failures of the League of Nations **
 * & Why It Failed **


 * Incomplete Membership **

Initially, Germany and the Soviet Union were not permitted to join the League due to Germany being deemed the aggressor of WWI. The allies avoided the USSR, fearing communism and their policies. Though the League was formed from the ideas of US president Woodrow Wilson and his 14 points, America voted “No” to join the League – making them an isolationist country away from European affairs, and so it lacked an important superpower. Without the USA, the trade sanctions that the league had put in place were virtually useless, as most resources were attainable from the US. The Europeans also felt that imposing actions that might offend the US were a bad idea, and thus, cautiously stepped around them. Inside of the League, Britain and France were overly selfish, and too absorbed in their self-interest.

There were five permanent members of the Security Council, who each had the power to veto any decision made. This made it extremely difficult to come to conclusion on any decision, and above all, made any decision too slowly. The League had no official or permanent army, which meant they had no real enforcement. If needed, troops were to be supplied by members of the League, which caused an issue, as no country wanted to volunteer their troops. The idea of this was unrealistic, and easily unsuccessful. The Larger counties involved were not willing to allow those countries smaller than them to suggest ideas, or be told what to do. Japan, Italy and Germany still viewed war as a means of national advancement. There were originally 42 members which climbed to 59 in the 1930’s. They did not allow previously defeated countries, such as Germany, to join. Russia was excluded due to their communist policies. __Positions Within the League__ //Assembly// – Each country had one vote //The Counsel// – Met several times a year and in the event of emergencies. There were 5 permanent members, who each had the right to veto any idea. //Permanent Court of International Justice// – Based at the Hague, settle disputes peacefully, had no real power or enforcement. //The Secretariat// – Kept records/Civil Service
 * Structure **

When Japan invaded Manchuria in 1931 the League appointed Lord Lytton to head the “Lytton Commission” which was completed in 1933. The commission deemed Japan the aggressor and the League ordered them to stop, saying their actions were unjustified. This seemed to be the end of the League’s effort to stop the affair, as it was an insignificant threat to Europe. Japan’s response was to remove their membership from the League and to continue attacking China; eventually to take over Manchuria and rename it Manchukuo. They continued to invade China. From an outsider’s point of view, the League’s willingness to apply effort was low when it came to issues outside of Europe. In this case, Mussolini saw the ignorance and stupidity of the League of Nations, and decided to take his own actions.
 * Japan and Manchuria **


 * Italy and Abyssinia (later Ethiopia) **

When Italy, headed by Mussolini, invaded Abyssinia in 1935 the League voted to impose economic sanctions. They did not, however, include important resources like steel, oil, coal and copper in their sanctions. The League, specifically Britain and France, then created the “Hoare-Laval Plan”, which was a confidential agreement which offered Italy, in the scenario she ceased fighting immediately, she would get most of Abyssinia. The plan was leaked, immediately causing outrage and disapproval of the League. Mussolini was able to complete his takeover, causing the current emperor at the time to flee. This occurrence only proved the weakness and ineffectiveness of the League, as this had been its second downfall.


 * Members Lacked Dedication **

Within the League of Nations, once economic sanctions were imposed, the members of the League did not have to follow them. They were encouraged to support the League and not trade with the country involved, but they did not have to and sometimes they would refuse to enforce the san  ctions. The countries that were members were not completely committed; they tried to do what was best for their nation, not the majority.


 * Purpose **

Their purpose was achievement of peace through collective security, which proved to be unsuccessful. They could not prevent an aggressive nation from provoking and they did not succeed in uniting nations against war. They aimed to encourage co-operation, accomplish disarmament, and improve social conditions worldwide, including an international monetary.

References

History 12 Student Workbook Ms. Martin and her notes + power points @http://www.jstor.org/pss/2191024 “ The “Failure” of the League of Nations ” article by C. G. Fenwick from The American Journal of International Law.

@http://www.reference-global.com/doi/abs/10.1515/9783110905854.118 “Germany and the League of Nations” by Christoph M. Kimmich.

__**Jamie Newel's Changes**__ Fixed picture links - not visible prior Added new pictures Inconsistant fonts and sizes Edited and revised points Greatly improving spelling, grammar, punctuation Elaborated on all points, added points Removed Points Fixed Layout/Spacing - Consistancy