League of Nations: Successes and Failures

These flashcards focus on the history, successes, failures, and key concepts surrounding the League of Nations as discussed in the lecture notes.

What was Woodrow Wilson's proposal outlined in his 14 Points speech in 1918 regarding international cooperation?

The creation of the League of Nations to resolve disputes and prevent future wars.

When was the League of Nations officially inaugurated?

January 10, 1920.

What was a major criticism of the League of Nations from the USA?

The US did not join due to isolationist policies and fears of being drawn into European conflicts.

What was one of the League of Nations' aims regarding disarmament?

To achieve world disarmament to prevent future wars.

What significant event in 1929 impacted the effectiveness of the League of Nations?

The Wall Street Crash, leading to the Great Depression.

What crisis in the early 1930s demonstrated the weaknesses of the League due to lack of action against aggression?

The Manchurian Crisis.

What was the outcome of the League's response to the Manchurian Crisis?

It looked weak and failed to take effective action against Japan.

Which pact in 1928 aimed at outlawing war and promoting peace among nations?

The Kellogg-Briand Pact.

How did the League of Nations respond to the Abyssinian Crisis?

It implemented economic sanctions but failed to take strong action.

Why did many historians debate the effectiveness of the League of Nations in preventing World War II?

Some believed the League was doomed due to its structure and the absence of major powers like the USA.

What was one humanitarian success of the League of Nations?

The repatriation of 425,000 displaced persons after World War I.

What was one key failure of the League of Nations regarding member cooperation?

Member states often pursued their own national interests over collective action.

What two countries famously left the League of Nations in the early 1930s?

Japan and Germany.

What principle did the League of Nations adopt to protect its members from aggression?

Collective security.

What was the main consequence of the League's inability to prevent aggression in the 1930s?

It encouraged further militarism and aggression from countries like Germany and Italy.

Which treaty reestablished German industry and reduced reparations after World War I?

The Dawes Plan.

What was the response of the League of Nations to the Bulgarian invasion in 1925?

The League ruled in favor of Bulgaria, demonstrating inconsistencies in their rulings.

In what year did the League of Nations officially disband?

1946.

What was the major contributing factor to the failure of the League of Nations?

The absence of key powers like the USA and differing national interests among member states.

What was the main issue addressed during the Aaland Islands dispute in 1921?

The League of Nations mediated a dispute between Finland and Sweden over the Aaland Islands, resulting in the islands being awarded to Finland.

What was the League of Nations' involvement in the Greek-Bulgarian conflict in 1925?

The League intervened by ruling in favor of Bulgaria and calling for Greek withdrawal from Bulgarian territory.

How did the League of Nations respond to the withdrawal of Japanese troops during the Manchurian Crisis?

The League failed to successfully compel Japan to withdraw its forces from Manchuria.

What was the response of the League of Nations to the Italian invasion of Abyssinia in 1935?

The League imposed economic sanctions on Italy but failed to stop the invasion.

What was the main problem with the League of Nations' actions during the Japanese invasion of Manchuria?

The League's actions were ineffective and lacked the necessary power to enforce decisions.

In the case of the Corfu incident in 1923, what action did the League take against Italy?

The League condemned Italy's invasion of Corfu and demanded withdrawal, but Italy withdrew only after it was assured compensation.

What humanitarian crisis did the League of Nations respond to during the Spanish Civil War?

The League provided assistance to refugees and sought to mediate peace, although it was largely ineffective.

How did the League of Nations handle the situation in the Saar territory in 1935?

The League organized a plebiscite to determine whether Saar would return to Germany or remain under League control.

What was the League of Nations' response to the situation in Eastern Europe during the Vilna crisis in 1920?

The League attempted to mediate between Poland and Lithuania over Vilna but was unable to achieve a lasting resolution.

What defined the League of Nations’ failure to resolve the Danzig Corridor issue in 1939?

The League's inability to effectively address the tensions between Poland and Germany contributed to the escalation towards World War II.