History Quiz: League of Nations

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Questions and Answers

What was the League of Nations?

The League of Nations was a vision for bringing the world together in peace.

Why was the League of Nations formed?

Countries would work together to achieve the four aims of stopping war, encouraging disarmament, improving working conditions, and tackling deadly diseases.

Was the USA an important member of the League?

False

Where was the League based?

In Geneva, Switzerland. Signup and view all the answers

Who joined the League of Nations?

42 members initially, increasing to 58 by 1934, including Britain, France, Italy, and Japan as permanent members. Signup and view all the answers

Did all the other powerful countries join the League?

False Signup and view all the answers

What did the Locarno Treaty change?

It meant that Germany was allowed to join the League. Signup and view all the answers

When was the Locarno Treaty signed?

1926 Signup and view all the answers

Why was Germany's membership short-lived?

Once Hitler came to power, he took Germany out of the League again. Signup and view all the answers

Which other two countries left the League?

Japan and Italy. Signup and view all the answers

What did Britain think of the League?

Initially critical, but later supportive through the Fontainebleau Memorandum. Signup and view all the answers

What happened in regard to the colonies given to the League as a mandate?

They were given to the League to run until they were ready to be independent. Signup and view all the answers

What did Britain see the mandates as?

An opportunity to add to their already vast empire. Signup and view all the answers

What did Britain generally regard the League as?

A place for countries to discuss ideas, but without any real power. Signup and view all the answers

What did France think of the League?

It was glad of anything that might help protect it from another German invasion. Signup and view all the answers

How did the League plan to keep peace?

Through collective security. Signup and view all the answers

What does collective security mean?

The idea that if all countries worked together, they could ensure peace and protect national interests. Signup and view all the answers

What did the League set up in 1920?

An international court called the Permanent Court of International Justice. Signup and view all the answers

How would the League deal with aggression?

Mitigation, moral condemnation, and economic sanctions. Signup and view all the answers

What did mitigation mean?

Getting countries to talk through problems. Signup and view all the answers

What does moral condemnation mean?

A good telling off. Signup and view all the answers

What does economic sanctions mean?

Members of the League would not trade with the warring countries. Signup and view all the answers

Did the League have its own army?

False Signup and view all the answers

What would happen if an army was completely necessary?

The League would ask its members to lend it their armed forces. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

League of Nations Overview

The League of Nations aimed to unite countries in a collaborative effort for peace, functioning like a world parliament.
Formed to prevent war, promote disarmament, enhance working conditions, and combat diseases.

Membership and Participation

Initial membership included 42 countries, growing to 58 by 1934.
Key permanent council members: Britain, France, Italy, and Japan.
The USA did not join due to Senate opposition, reflecting isolationist sentiments post-WWI.

Exclusions and Controversies

Notably, Russia was excluded due to suspicion towards its communist government and Germany was barred initially as a losing country in WWI.
The Locarno Treaty in 1926 allowed Germany to join the League, but Hitler's rise led to its withdrawal.

Reactions from Major Powers

Britain viewed the League primarily as a discussion forum lacking real power; it also saw mandates over colonies as an opportunity to expand its empire.
France supported the League for protection against potential German aggression.

Peacekeeping Strategies

The League aimed for peace through collective security, relying on international cooperation to safeguard national interests.
Established the Permanent Court of International Justice in 1920 to enforce international laws.

Responses to Aggression

Planned responses to conflicts included:
- Mitigation: Encouraging dialogue among nations.
- Moral condemnation: Public disapproval of aggressive actions.
- Economic sanctions: Implementing trade restrictions against aggressors.

Limitations and Challenges

Lacked a standing army, relying instead on member nations to provide military support if necessary.
Faced challenges maintaining authority and influence, particularly with significant members like Japan and Italy withdrawing after invasions in the 1930s.

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Description

Explore the origins and objectives of the League of Nations through these flashcards. Learn why this global organization was created in the aftermath of World War I and its role in promoting peace and cooperation among nations.