Category: League of Nations

Just after the World War, in 1919 the League of Nations was formed, at the Paris Peace Conference where all the world`s leading statesmen met to formulate a program aimed at establishing and promoting everlasting international peace and to ensure such world atrocities such as the first World War does not repeat again. Stated in article 10 of the league covenant declares that ‘The members of the league undertake to respect and preserve as against external aggression the territorial integrity and political independence of all members of the league’ (Avalon Project – The Covenant of the League of Nations, n.d.) Many people were skeptical but mostly, the common people were convinced by this organization. As, those who were convinced, visualized the League of Nations as an idea of the prevention of war. However, after twenty years the Second World War began, destroying expectations and hopes that were raised upon the League. In this essay, I will explain why the League of Nations failed and demonstrate the failure by highlighting the reasons and discussing the crisis caused by the failure of the League.

The league failed its ideologies as early as 1921 when ‘Vilna was under Polish control’ (Milisauskas, 2000). Once again it failed the objectives when Mussolini held German ransom in 1923 when ‘Italy attempted to seize the island of Corfu from Greece’ (Kangan, 2000). However, the Greek-Bulgarian war and the Aland Island`s successes had overpowered the League`s failures at Vilna and Corfu.

In the 1930s the League part had portrayed two great failures. Firstly, the great depression (Cole, 1999) was caused in 1929 by the Wall Street US stock market crash. The crash of late 1929 to suicides that cause a sense of impossibility (Seikel, 2021) and demonstrated the severity of the crash. Secondly, Japan had invaded Manchuria, the northern province of China. One reason why the League of Nations failed was due to the lack of authority as the USSR did not join the league until 1934 and Germany did not join until 1926 and left in 1933 similarly, Japan left in 1933 and followed up Italy left in 1937. The USA was not a member of the League, which reinforces the failure`s cause showing the lack of participation of significant countries. Moreover, self-interest was another reason for the failure as the league thought Japan would withdraw and obey Manchuria but Japan was already determined (Shepherdson-Scott, 2015) to further invade China and resign from the league. But as Japan was dependent upon the US economy. When the US stock market crashed, trade collapsed giving Japan very little choice but to take Manchuria and survive through expansion. Therefore, the League failed as it was proven ineffective because economic sanctions were not practical due to the Great Depression. Furthermore, The USA was in no condition to help China historically the little brother (Ku, J.H and Lee, 2012) as Japan was economically dependent on the USA. Additionally, Japan went into a further economic crisis as China and USA put tariffs high against them, again giving them no choice other than to invade Manchuria. This failed the League`s objective because its own member Japan had betrayed it and let it down. The league failed further, as Britain and France were hesitant to support it (Kat, Y, 2007) such a venture. France was more concerned about the construction of the Maginot Line whereas, Britain could not provide a strong big army in support of this crisis resulting that only the USA would have resources to resolve the Manchuria invasion but they were not a member of the league. The League had received an appeal from China it took a year for the League`s officials to report back the truth between Japan and China as follows, the European great powers favored Japan over China and the United States did not confront Japanese expansionism (Chang, 2003). All these reasons illustrate how miserably the League has failed.

In Conclusion, there were various reasons why the League of Nations failed. The invasion of China as well as there was an invasion of Abyssinia by Mussolini but Britain and France had very limited troops and could not or possibly do not want to help Abyssinia and China. The league was also very ineffective and delayed in decision-making, for example, to help Abyssinia finally when a decision had been made, it was ignored. Unfortunately, the whole structure of the League of Nations was based upon false assumptions (Paquin, 1943) which led to the failure and dissolution of the league.

For the most part of the 1800s, the United States was mostly an isolationist nation overall. The United States then eventually started to get involved with foreign affairs and turned into more of an interventionist nation. After this occurred, there were many people who disagreed with the change and argued against it. Since there were people arguing against the change, that then created the need for supporters of the change from isolationism to interventionism to speak out and defend it. The switch from isolationism to interventionism was a necessary step in order for the United States to become the global leader that it is today because it allowed the United States to show its power when getting involved with affairs around the globe.

During World War I, after staying out of the war for nearly three years, President Woodrow Wilson came to realize that would no longer be an option after Germany attacked American ships and killed innocent American people. When he was talking about how Germany attacked and sank ships during his “Address to Congress” in 1917, he said, “The challenge is to all mankind. Each nation must decide for itself how it will meet it” (Wilson 71). He decided that Germany cannot go unpunished for the act of war that they committed against America. This decision is important because it shows that America will not stand idly by when it is being attacked. It also set a strong precedent for what to expect from America when another country has committed acts of war against them. President Wilson, who was reelected during the election of 1916 off of the platform of “he kept us out of war”, went on to state “With a profound sense of the solemn and even tragic character of the step I am taking and of the grave responsibilities which it involves, but in unhesitating obedience to what I deem my constitutional duty, I advise that the Congress declare the recent course of the Imperial German Government to be in fact nothing less than the war against the government and the people of the United States” (Wilson 71). This goes to show that if President Wilson, who started off his presidency as an isolationist, believed that America had to intervene in the war, then it was quite necessary to do so.

Though America’s own President believed intervening was the right thing to do during World War I, not everyone did. One person who still believed isolationism was the better call, even in the aftermath of the war, was Senator William Borah. He believed that the United States should not join the League of Nations. In his “Senate Speech on the League of Nations”, he states that joining the League of Nations would be “in conflict with the right of our people to govern themselves free from all restraint, legal or moral, or foreign powers” (Borah 74). He goes on to say that not only would the League of Nations just pull in America to Europe’s problems, but it would pull in all the people of America as well into having to deal with European affairs, therefore stripping them of their independence. This argument seems fairly flimsy in that it is quite a reach to say that a citizen of a country who is involved in foreign affairs is no longer independent. He then also states that if America were to join the League of Nations and try to change Europe, then America “will end by becoming Europeanized in our standards and in our conceptions of civilization or we will fall into disintegration and as a Republic die” (Borah 74). In the end, he is warning that if America does join then “we shall return as our President returned from Versailles, stripped of our principles and shorn of our ideals” (Borah 74). In this statement, he is talking about how President Wilson had to compromise to get what he wanted most out of the Fourteen Points at the Paris Peace Conference. This argument that he is saying is quite weak. He is saying that if a person cannot force their desired solution on everyone involved in a conflict and they end up having to compromise, then they are totally changed and have different ideals.

In conclusion, it was necessary for the United States to make the swap from staying out of foreign affairs, such as it did throughout the 1800s, to intervening in them when it was necessary, like during World War I. This change allowed America to show how strong of a nation it truly was when it came down to getting involved with foreign affairs. This showing of power has definitely helped America in becoming the global leader that it is today. America’s intervention in World War I certainly affected America and the whole world for the better. If the United States would have stayed as an isolationist nation throughout everything, then it surely would not have ended up as powerful as it is today.

Last year, 2017, marked the 150th anniversary of Canada. In the 150 years that Canada has lived, it has established a name for itself as a peaceful, independent country, and has shown many of its important values through the decisions made. From the start of Canada’s life in 1867, with the signing of the British North America Constitution Act, to this day, Canada has faced many challenges and successes over this time. The endeavours and achievements, as well as the Canadian values, have defined Canada and made what it is today. One of Canada’s most important values is independence. Through the series of events that have taken place such as the uprising in Sudan in 1885, Canada has shown the world they want to become independent. Our first Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald was a complete nationalist. This means he didn’t want to interact with Great Britain or get closer to the United States. Not only does Canada value independence, they care about bringing peace to their people. This country has shown its peace through the joining of many organizations such as the United Nations and the failed League of Nations. These organizations were created with one goal in mind; to create peace between everyone in the world. Another one of Canada’s most important value is equality. From the start, Canada has come a long way with women’s rights, as well as making accommodations for the French in the Constitution. Peace, independence, and equality are the most important values of Canada. Although there have been many dilemmas in the past, Canada still stands as a strong independent and peaceful country. Independence is one of the three important values Canada is great at conveying to the rest of the world. This is clearly demonstrated by the uprising in Sudan in 1885, where Great Britain asked other members of the Empire, to send troops for assistance. But, Sir John A. Macdonald delayed by not sending troops until the uprising was over. At this point in time, Sir John A understood this is one way we can gain power and show Great Britain we aren’t your dominions but we an independent “kingdom”. Another great example of Canada’s value for Independence is the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. This treaty was made at the end of the first world war to promote peace and to prevent future wars as well as to create the League of Nations. Canada was involved in these negotiations and was asked to sign the treaty as an independent nation plus Canada was also invited to participate in the League of Nations independently. The involvement in the League of Nations, as well as the signing of the treaty, shows Canada valued independence as well as peace. In addition to the League of Nation, the Chanak Affair is a strong example of Canada’s value for independence. In WW1, Turkey was defeated and occupied by Britain. The patriots in Turkey tried to kick out the British forces and Britain claimed the dominions would help. Mackenzie King stated that only the Canadian Parliament can decide whether or not to help. Canada claims independence and that they are democratic. This is an example of Canada increasing independence from England because they would send troops otherwise. In 1931, Britain finally had no power to create or amend any laws in the dominions due to the Statute of Westminster. Later on, in 1982 Queen Elizabeth signs the Canadian Constitution Act making Canada fully independent and not allowing the British Parliament to have any say or authority in the legislative government. The Canadian Constitution act symbolizes two things. Canada can’t be a country with the British Parliament having authority in the government. Furthermore, Canada isn’t an independent and peaceful country without its own constitution. Just like independence, Canada also greatly valued peace. Canada since the beginning didn’t like to participate in wars and was forced to join only because Great Britain joined. Canada did a lot to create a peace which is demonstrated by the number of organizations they joined. League of Nations and United Nations were just two organizations that had one goal; to create peace and avoid war. United Nations is the largest association in relation to world peace. United Nations was formed right after WW2 and was created with one mission; “the maintenance of international peace and security”. Canada has been working with this organization from the start which shows their value for peace. Canada was also apart of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization which was made to ensure there is peace between its member countries. Many don’t consider this a peaceful organization because they use military and political means to maintain peace. NATO states they are devoted to the peaceful resolutions of disputes. Furthermore, Canada was also apart of the Commonwealth association. This association was a group of 53 states that was ruled by the British Empire. It was made to ensure a peaceful society between everyone apart of the Commonwealth program. Finally where the thought of an organization that could create peace between everyone in the world such as the League of Nations. The League of Nations was made right after WW1 to maintain peace but miserably failed. Canada joined this organization clearly demonstrating Canada’s value for peace. Overall Canada joined many organizations and programs such as the United Nations, Commonwealth Association, and NATO with full intention to maintain peace between them and the world which proves Canada values peace. Equality is just as valued as peace and independence to Canada. Throughout the first and second world war, we have had changes made to our women’s rights, made accommodations for the French English even though they’re the minority, and added our own constitution. Women were employed in factories during the war because most of the men were in the warfighting. Even the government was coordinating the employment of women through campaigns and recruitment drives. Another huge step in history was women received the right to vote in the 1917 election. This goes to show how much Canada values equality. We also made accommodations for the French because they were the minority. In 1980 the Quebecois were deciding whether they should pursue a path of sovereignty. The Quebecers voted no and Pierre Trudeau said: “I know that I can make a most solemn commitment that following a NO vote, we will immediately take action to renew the Constitution and we will not stop until we have done that.” This being another great example of us valuing equality. Finally, after the Canadian constitution in 1982, we had also developed the Charter of Rights and Freedoms which was a fundamental document for all Canadians. Canada is truly trying to maximize equality in all aspects of the country. We have given women the right to vote, made accommodations for the French and gave everyone equal right no matter what race or gender they are. Although Canada values peace and independence many people argue about equality. There have been various events where Canada hasn’t been very equal with rights and laws. Canada was all First Nations land though they never treated them with respect or fairly because they were the minority. Plus there were internment camps such as the japanese and ukraine camps. In the end we still made agreements in the constitution for equal rights to the First Nations. In the 150 years, Canada has lived, they have shown what their core values are. The fact that was able to create their own constitution with the British Parliament signing it was a great success. Canada was also very peaceful considering the number of organizations they have joined. These organizations were meant to maintain peace which is exactly why Canada values peace. Lastly, Canada has shown many examples of them valuing their equality by making accommodations for the French and creating the Charter Rights of Freedoms. There are no other values Canada values more than peace, independence, and equality.

Introduction:

The League of Nations was an ambitious international organization established after World War I with the aim of promoting peace and preventing future conflicts. While it ultimately proved ineffective in achieving its objectives, it is crucial to analyze the pros and cons of the League to gain insights into its strengths, limitations, and the lessons it offers for future global cooperation. This analytical essay aims to provide a balanced assessment of the League of Nations, considering both its positive aspects and its shortcomings.

Pros of the League of Nations:

Collective Security:

One of the key advantages of the League was the concept of collective security. Member states agreed to come to the defense of any member nation that faced aggression or invasion. This principle aimed to deter acts of aggression and promote stability by creating a sense of unity and shared responsibility among nations.

Arbitration and Mediation:

The League provided a platform for peaceful settlement of disputes through arbitration and mediation. This approach allowed nations to resolve conflicts without resorting to military action, encouraging diplomatic solutions and reducing the likelihood of armed conflicts escalating.

Humanitarian Work:

The League undertook various humanitarian efforts, such as combating diseases, promoting public health, and supporting refugees. It established agencies and initiatives to address pressing global issues, including the International Labor Organization and the Health Organization, laying the foundation for future international cooperation on these fronts.

League of Nations Mandates:

The League of Nations oversaw mandates, which aimed to guide the administration and development of territories formerly under the control of colonial powers. These mandates sought to promote self-determination, protect human rights, and facilitate the transition to independence for various regions across the globe.

Cons of the League of Nations:

Lack of Enforcement Mechanism:

Despite the concept of collective security, the League lacked a strong enforcement mechanism to ensure compliance with its decisions. The absence of a standing army or the power to impose meaningful economic sanctions limited its ability to deter aggression effectively. This weakness undermined the League’s credibility and led to its failure in preventing major conflicts, such as the Japanese invasion of Manchuria and the Italian invasion of Abyssinia.

Limited Membership and Representation:

The League suffered from the absence of key global powers, including the United States, which never joined the organization. Additionally, some powerful nations, such as Germany and Russia, were excluded during certain periods. This limited membership and unequal representation diminished the League’s legitimacy and hindered its ability to address global challenges comprehensively.

Lack of Consensus and Decision-Making Challenges:

The League’s decision-making process was hampered by the need for unanimous agreement among member states. This often resulted in prolonged debates, conflicting interests, and an inability to take timely action. The League’s structure made it vulnerable to the self-interests of individual nations, impeding effective decision-making and preventing swift responses to international crises.

Failure to Prevent Major Conflicts:

Despite its intentions, the League of Nations was unable to prevent major conflicts, including the outbreak of World War II. Its inability to effectively address and deter acts of aggression undermined its credibility and raised questions about its effectiveness as a global peacekeeping organization.

Conclusion:

The League of Nations, despite its shortcomings and ultimate failure, laid the groundwork for international organizations that followed, such as the United Nations. It pioneered the concept of collective security and established important agencies and initiatives that contributed to global cooperation. However, its limitations, including the lack of enforcement mechanisms, limited membership, and decision-making challenges, highlight the need for ongoing evaluation and improvement in future international organizations. The League of Nations serves as a valuable lesson in the complexities of global governance and the challenges of promoting peace and cooperation on a global scale.