Membership of the League of Nations

Which of the Allies joined the League of Nations?

Britain and France

Why didn’t America join?

It wasn’t ratified - the Senate didn’t vote to approve joining the League

What was the impact of the USA not joining the League?

It weakened it - many smaller members didn’t feel as supported as if America had joined since there was a previous incorrect belief that the US would join

Which countries weren’t allowed to join?

The Axis powers

What policy did Americans prefer?

Isolationism

Why wasn’t Russia allowed to join?

It was communist, and there were fears that they would try to spread communist ideas around Europe

How long were Germany part of the League for?

7 years, between 1926-1933

Why did Germany leave in 1933?

Hitler came to power that year, and he removed the country from the League

Which other countries left and when?

Italy in 1937 and Japan in 1933

Why did Italy and Japan leave?

They invaded other countries

How strong was the League?

Relatively, although due to the first world war, Britain and France (the most powerful countries in the League) were financially crippled and their military was depleted - this meant that they would be less able to fight against a country which broke the League’s rules

What was the flaw in using economic sanctions as a punishment?

Since America wasn’t part of the League, they didn’t have to adhere to its rules, including the economic sanctions - this enabled punished countries to trade with the USA, and their trade wouldn’t be particularly impacted. The only nations it would affect were the ones in the League, since they wouldn’t be able to trade, so the economy wouldn’t grow as much

What is another reason why the League was weak?

It’s member countries had priorities outside of the League’s aims; Britain was focused on maintaining its empire while France made sure that Germany paid reparations