League of Nations Study Guide

AICE International History

Dawes Plan (1924)

U.S.-backed plan to help Germany pay reparations by restructuring payments and providing loans. Stabilized Germany temporarily and eased European tensions.

Locarno Treaties (1925)

Series of agreements where Germany accepted its western borders with France and Belgium. Improved European diplomacy and created a brief period of optimism (“Locarno Spirit”).

Kellogg-Briand Pact (1928)

International agreement signed by 65 nations renouncing war as a tool of foreign policy. Idealistic and unenforceable; failed to prevent future conflicts.

Young Plan (1929)

Further reduced German reparations and extended payment schedule. Undermined by the Great Depression; payments were soon suspended.

Corfu Incident (1923)

Italy invaded the Greek island of Corfu after an Italian general was killed. The League failed, Italy ignored it and the Conference of Ambassadors overruled the League, showing its weakness against major powers.

Aaland Islands Incident (1921)

Dispute between Finland and Sweden. The League peacefully resolved it, and Aaland remained Finnish but demilitarized. Viewed as an early success.

Vilna offensive (1920)

Polish forces seized Vilna (Lithuania). The League condemned Poland but did nothing; Poland kept Vilna. Showed inability to act against stronger states.

Upper Silesia Incident (1921)

German-Polish border dispute over a rich industrial region. The League oversaw a plebiscite and divided the region. Considered a successful, fair settlement.

Greece/Bulgaria Incident (1925)

Greek forces invaded Bulgaria after border shots were fired. The League ordered Greece to withdraw and pay compensation. Greece complied, another success with smaller nations.

League of Nations Strengths:

• Strong humanitarian agencies (refugees, health, labor).

• Several successful border settlements (Aaland, Upper Silesia).

• Provided a permanent forum for diplomacy.

League of Nations Weaknesses:

• No army, so they relied on collective security that members ignored.

• U.S. never joined; major powers often acted independently.

• Decisions required unanimity, slowing action.

• Failed against aggressive states (Japan, Italy, Germany).

The Commission for Refugees (LON)

Helped resettle/return millions of WWI refugees; issued “Nansen passports” for stateless people. Major humanitarian success.

The Health Organization (LON)

Fought disease globally; worked on malaria, leprosy, and typhus; set up health standards. Later served as model for the WHO.

The Mandates Commission (Classes A-C) of the LON

Supervised former German and Ottoman territories handed to Allied powers.

Class A: Almost ready for independence (Middle East).

Class B: Less developed, required control (Africa).

Class C: Controlled as part of mandatory power’s territory (SW Africa, Pacific Islands).

Ensured the powers ruled “in the interests of the people.”

The Disarmament Commission (LON)

Tasked with reducing global armaments. Achieved little, major countries refused to disarm. One of the League’s biggest failures.

International Labour Organisation commission (LON)

Improved working conditions: limited hours, banned child labor, improved workplace safety. Survived beyond the League and became part of the UN.

The Economic Commission (LON)

Advised on stabilizing economies and rebuilding post-WWI Europe. Helped Austria avoid collapse in 1923. Limited impact due to member reluctance.

The Slavery Commission (LON)

Worked to end slavery and forced labor. Achievements: abolished slavery in Iraq, freed 200,000 slaves in Sierra Leone. One of the League’s successful agencies.

Essay Question: How did the LON worsen international relations?

• Weak responses emboldened aggressors – failures in Manchuria and Abyssinia encouraged Japan, Italy, and later Germany.

• Sanctions created hostility – ineffective or uneven sanctions (e.g., against Italy) angered nations without stopping aggression.

• Excluded major powers – absence of the USA and tensions with Germany/USSR made diplomacy weaker and fueled mistrust.