Why did the League of Nations fail in its aim to keep peace?

Membership of the League USA’s entry blocked by the Senate. Germany Russia joined Japan left Italy left Britain and France were the most important consistent members. Why was this a problem?

Organisation of the League Covenant – 26 articles which members agreed to, including reducing levels of armaments and collective security. The Assembly – all members had representatives. The Council – four permanent members, four non-permanent (nine from 1926). Permanent Court of International Justice – dealt with disputes over international law. The Secretariat

The Manchurian Crisis,

Why did the invasion take place? Economic hardship – depression following Wall Street Crash – reduced Japanese exports. Expanding population, overcrowding, need for increased food production and exports. Increasing poverty. Influence of the army.

The Explosion Since 1904 Japan had been allowed to station soldiers on the South Manchurian Railway. Sep – claimed there had been an explosion on the line at Mukden. Army invaded (without government permission).

The League’s Response China appealed to the League. The Lytton Commission was set up –this took a year to report. It pointed out the weaknesses of Chinese rule, as well as Japanese grievances. However, it condemned the invasion and recommended that Manchuria become self-governing. Japan announced the creation of the independent state of Manchukuo. Late 1933, League issued another report, stating that Manchukuo was a puppet state and that Japan should withdraw. Japan left the League and attacked Jehol.

A turning point League had not wanted to act: -USA was main trading partner, so no economic sanctions. -All League members suffering from the Depression. -Britain did not want to risk Far East fleet. -France did not want to send troops. -USSR not a member.

Ultimately, the League’s members were not willing to act. Japan was a useful ally against communist expansion and some even thought that they had restored order to the region. These events encouraged Italy (Mussolini) and Germany (Hitler).

The Abyssinian Crisis,

Why did the invasion take place? Not already colonised by Europeans, bordered by Italian colonies of Eritrea and Somaliland. Boost popularity – previous defeat at the Battle of Adowa Restoring national pride. Economic benefits – rich pastureland and raw materials. A market for exports. Encouraged by the failure to act over Manchuria Stresa Front – Mussolini knew they were more concerned about Hitler.

The events December 1934 – clash between Italian and Abyssinian troops at Wal-Wal. Dispute went to the League, but it was clear Italy was preparing for a full invasion from Somaliland. Sir Samuel Hoare made a speech stating that Britain would support collective security – response to the Peace Ballot Italy invaded 3 rd October 1935.

The League’s Response A clear act of Italian aggression. Slow to introduce sanctions. Trade in arms and Italian imports immediately banned. Two months to decide on other sanctions. Fearful of losing Mussolini as an ally against Hitler. Limited ban placed on exports and financial loans. Self interested, rather than defending the principles of the League. (Britain – coal; France – steel). Failure to close the Suez Canal.

December 1935 – Italian invasion not immediately successful. The Hoare Laval Pact proposed partitioning the land, giving Italy the best areas for farming and minerals. The Pact was dropped amidst public outcry. May 1936 – Italy captured the capital, Addis Ababa. Haile Selassie appealed to the League, but to no avail.

Effects of the Crisis The death of the League. Italy walked out of the League in May Sanctions were dropped in July. Britain, France and the USSR were the only major powers left in the League. March 1936 – Hitler remilitarises the Rhineland, correctly judging that the League would be too preoccupied to oppose him. Ended the Stresa Front – 1936 Rome-Berlin Axis signed – Japan joined the Axis, forming the Anti- Comintern Pact. Italy formally withdrew from the League in Europe had divided into two sides.

Why did the League fail? League lost all influence after Abyssinia. Not consulted over the invasions of Poland or Czechoslovakia. Did not meet after December Dissolved It failed because: Membership Lack of effective sanctions associated with the Treaty of Versailles Need for a unanimous vote. Depression of the 1930s. Self-interest of members. Manchurian and Abyssinian Crises.