What was the main reason for the weakness of the League of NationsThe failures of the League of Nations

The LON had its weaknesses…Just like everyone and every

organisation…

1. Lack of authority

The league had no power to enforce their rules

The League had NO ARMY to enforce their

rules.

LON FIGHTING

STRONG

Since 1920

2. (Limited) Membership

During the establishment of the LON, the league

had 42 members.

At its peak, it had 60 members.

The league was however not a firm unit as the

League suffered frequent membership

changes.

2. (Limited) Membership

Germany, Russia (USSR),

China were NOT

ALLOWED membership

Germany and USSR only

got into the League later

2. Limited Membership

The USA was NEVER a member

even though the LON was their

idea!

3. Post-war attitude

Many European countries are still weak from the

war

They prefer to rebuild itself (recover) and not get

involved in other conflicts

3. Post-war attitude

3. Post-war attitude

Most countries were UNWILLING or DID NOT

HAVE the military power to apply sanctions

Britain and France chose APPEASEMENT to

resolve conflicts

3. Post-war attitude

League members DISTRUSTED each other and

thus were UNWILLING TO DISARM

Reason for

failures of the LON

Lack of Authority

Post-war attitude

Membership

The successes of the LON

Aaland Islands (1921)

Albania (1923)

Greek-Bulgarian Border Dispute (1925)

Partial success

Upper Silesia (1921)

Memel (1923)

Failures

The Ruhr (1923)

Corfu (1923)

Vilna (1923)

Manchuria (1931)**

Abyssinia (1935 – 1936)**

Manchuria (1931)

Rich in resources and

land

1931 Japan launched an

invasion on Manchuria

Established the state of

Manchukuo under

Japanese control

Manchuria (1931)

China refused to recognise Manchukuo

The LON did an investigation and found Japan to

be the aggressor

Japanese delegation walked out of the Assembly

Japan government withdrew from the LON

League was helpless as no one wanted to fight

Abyssinia (1935 – 1936)

Modern day Ethiopia

Italy invaded Abyssinia in 1935

League imposed SOME sanctions on Italy

Britain and France (the League’s strongest

members) entered secret negotiations with Italy

No one wanted a war and they were willing to

negotiate

Abyssinia was conquered

Abyssinia (1935 – 1936)

Which countries are they?

We don’t want you to fight but if you do, we

shall issue a joint statement suggesting a mild

disapproval of you

Effects

In both events, the LON took months to reach a

consensus (agreement)

The LON’s powerful members considered their

self-interest ahead of the League’s

Effects

In both events, the LON took months to reach a

consensus (agreement)

The LON’s powerful members considered their

self-interest ahead of the League’s

Failures of the League of

Nation

Major Failures of the LON

Manchuria

Abyssinia

So what was the most

important reason?Lack of authority?

Membership?

Post-war attitude?