Sec 3N Hist (Elec) Chapter 1.3: Examples of weakness of LON

1. What was the main
reason for the weakness
of the League of Nations
The failures of the League of Nations

2. The LON had its
weaknesses…
Just like everyone and every
organisation…

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 2. (Limited) Membership
Germany, Russia (USSR),
China were NOT
ALLOWED membership
Germany and USSR only
got into the League later

6. 2. Limited Membership
The USA was NEVER a member
even though the LON was their
idea!

7. 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

8. 3. Post-war attitude

9. 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

10. 3. Post-war attitude
League members DISTRUSTED each other and
thus were UNWILLING TO DISARM

11. Reason
for
failures of
the LON
Lack of
Authority
Post-war
attitude
Membership

12. The successes of the LON
Aaland Islands (1921)
Albania (1923)
Greek-Bulgarian Border Dispute (1925)
Partial success
Upper Silesia (1921)
Memel (1923)

13. Failures
The Ruhr (1923)
Corfu (1923)
Vilna (1923)
Manchuria (1931)**
Abyssinia (1935 – 1936)**

14. Manchuria (1931)
Rich in resources and
land
1931 Japan launched an
invasion on Manchuria
Established the state of
Manchukuo under
Japanese control

15. 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

17. Abyssinia (1935 – 1936)
Modern day Ethiopia

18. 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)

19. Which countries are they?

20. We don’t want you to fight but if you do, we
shall issue a joint statement suggesting a mild
disapproval of you

21. 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

22. 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

23. Failures of the League of
Nation

24. Major Failures of the LON
Manchuria
Abyssinia

25. So what was the most
important reason?
Lack of authority?
Membership?
Post-war attitude?