TN History Textbook: The League of Nations | Old & New NCERTs for IAS Preparation (Must Read) - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


305 304
Aims of the League
The League aimed at preventing wars through peaceful
settlement of disputes among member nations. Secondly it desired to
preserve and protect the independence of member-nations by
promoting international understanding and co-operation.
Organs of the League
The League set upon itself the task of achieving the above
aims through its organs-mainly the Assembly and the Council.  To
begin with, all those powers who worked for the defeat of Germany
and her allies became the members of the League.
The Assembly
This supreme body consisted of the representatives of the
various states which were the members of the League.  Every
member state was given the right of one vote in the Assembly.  All
decisions of the Assembly were required to be unanimous.  It acted
as International Legislature.
The Council
It originally consisted of four permanent members and four
other members elected by the Assembly.  In 1926, Germany was
also given a permanent seat in the council. The number of non-
permanent members continued to increase and ultimately it reached
the figures of eleven.  Of the two, the assembly was certainly stronger.
The Secretariat
It was located at Geneva.  The
Secretary General was the prominent figure.
He was appointed by the Council but the
approval of Assembly was essential.  The staff
of the Secretariat was appointed by the
Secretary General in consultation with the
SYMBOL OF THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS 
Establishment of League of Nations
The out break of the First World War made the leaders of the
world to establish an international organisation for preventing future
wars.  The Treaty of Versailles also provided a
Covenant for the establishment of an
international organisation to maintain peace and
security in the world.  The founder of this
organization was President Woodrow Wilson of
USA. It was his idea to create a world
organization to maintain peace and prevent
future wars. President Woodrow Wilson’s
Fourteen Points underline the creation of a
general association of nations. It was Woodrow
Wilson who worked hard during Paris negotiations to bring about the
birth of the League of Nations.  The League was actually established
in 1920 and its head quarters was shifted from Paris to Geneva in
Switzerland. Thus, the League of Nations came into being. However,
League failed to prevent the Second World War.
LESSON 29
THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. The establishment of the League of Nations.
2. The organs of the League of Nations.
3. The achievements of the League of Nations.
4. Causes for the failure of the League of Nations.
WOODROW WILSON 
Page 2


305 304
Aims of the League
The League aimed at preventing wars through peaceful
settlement of disputes among member nations. Secondly it desired to
preserve and protect the independence of member-nations by
promoting international understanding and co-operation.
Organs of the League
The League set upon itself the task of achieving the above
aims through its organs-mainly the Assembly and the Council.  To
begin with, all those powers who worked for the defeat of Germany
and her allies became the members of the League.
The Assembly
This supreme body consisted of the representatives of the
various states which were the members of the League.  Every
member state was given the right of one vote in the Assembly.  All
decisions of the Assembly were required to be unanimous.  It acted
as International Legislature.
The Council
It originally consisted of four permanent members and four
other members elected by the Assembly.  In 1926, Germany was
also given a permanent seat in the council. The number of non-
permanent members continued to increase and ultimately it reached
the figures of eleven.  Of the two, the assembly was certainly stronger.
The Secretariat
It was located at Geneva.  The
Secretary General was the prominent figure.
He was appointed by the Council but the
approval of Assembly was essential.  The staff
of the Secretariat was appointed by the
Secretary General in consultation with the
SYMBOL OF THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS 
Establishment of League of Nations
The out break of the First World War made the leaders of the
world to establish an international organisation for preventing future
wars.  The Treaty of Versailles also provided a
Covenant for the establishment of an
international organisation to maintain peace and
security in the world.  The founder of this
organization was President Woodrow Wilson of
USA. It was his idea to create a world
organization to maintain peace and prevent
future wars. President Woodrow Wilson’s
Fourteen Points underline the creation of a
general association of nations. It was Woodrow
Wilson who worked hard during Paris negotiations to bring about the
birth of the League of Nations.  The League was actually established
in 1920 and its head quarters was shifted from Paris to Geneva in
Switzerland. Thus, the League of Nations came into being. However,
League failed to prevent the Second World War.
LESSON 29
THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. The establishment of the League of Nations.
2. The organs of the League of Nations.
3. The achievements of the League of Nations.
4. Causes for the failure of the League of Nations.
WOODROW WILSON 
307 306
Mandate system
It was set up by the League.  The territories captured from the
Central Powers and Turkey were not restored to them. The
administration of those countries was given to various powers under
the supervision of the League of Nations.
ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS
Aaland Islands
These islands lie between Sweden and Finland.  Both Finland
and Aaland once belonged to Sweden.  On the ownership of Aaland
Islands, there came a dispute between Sweden and Finland in 1920.
A special Commission of the League investigated the case and settled
the dispute in favour of Finland.
Mosul Boundary Dispute
This was a question related to the frontier dispute between
Turkey and the Great Britain’s mandated territory of Iraq.  Both the
parties claimed Mosul Villayet which was rich in oil.  Both failed to
come to an agreement on this boundary line.  Ultimately the League
Council gave its final judgment on the subject.  .  In June 1926, a
treaty was made between Turkey and Great Britain by which a small
part of the Villayet was given to Turkey.  The revised boundary was
recognised as definite.  Some royalty from Mosul oil fields were
given to Turkey.
Eupen and Malmady
In 1920 and 1921 Germany protested to the League of Nations
against the decision of giving  Euphen and Malmady to Belgium.
The League Council discussed the matter in September 1920 and
wrote to the government that its decision regarding the transfer of
Euphen and Malmedy to Belgium was final.
Council.  The member states had to pay towards the expenses of the
Secretariat..
The Permanent Court of International Justice
It consisted of 15 judges with its head quarters at The Hague.
It gave judgments on questions involving the interpretation of
international law, treaties and other mutual obligations.  The judges
of the court were elected for nine years.
The International Labour Organisation
It was also attached to the League of Nations with its
headquarters at Geneva.  Its object was to improve the labour
conditions in various parts of the world.  Its governing body consisted
of the representatives of the government, employers and workers.
The Secretariat The Assembly
The League of
Nations
Permanent Court of
International Justice
The International
Labour Organisation
The League
Council
ORGANISATION OF THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS
Page 3


305 304
Aims of the League
The League aimed at preventing wars through peaceful
settlement of disputes among member nations. Secondly it desired to
preserve and protect the independence of member-nations by
promoting international understanding and co-operation.
Organs of the League
The League set upon itself the task of achieving the above
aims through its organs-mainly the Assembly and the Council.  To
begin with, all those powers who worked for the defeat of Germany
and her allies became the members of the League.
The Assembly
This supreme body consisted of the representatives of the
various states which were the members of the League.  Every
member state was given the right of one vote in the Assembly.  All
decisions of the Assembly were required to be unanimous.  It acted
as International Legislature.
The Council
It originally consisted of four permanent members and four
other members elected by the Assembly.  In 1926, Germany was
also given a permanent seat in the council. The number of non-
permanent members continued to increase and ultimately it reached
the figures of eleven.  Of the two, the assembly was certainly stronger.
The Secretariat
It was located at Geneva.  The
Secretary General was the prominent figure.
He was appointed by the Council but the
approval of Assembly was essential.  The staff
of the Secretariat was appointed by the
Secretary General in consultation with the
SYMBOL OF THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS 
Establishment of League of Nations
The out break of the First World War made the leaders of the
world to establish an international organisation for preventing future
wars.  The Treaty of Versailles also provided a
Covenant for the establishment of an
international organisation to maintain peace and
security in the world.  The founder of this
organization was President Woodrow Wilson of
USA. It was his idea to create a world
organization to maintain peace and prevent
future wars. President Woodrow Wilson’s
Fourteen Points underline the creation of a
general association of nations. It was Woodrow
Wilson who worked hard during Paris negotiations to bring about the
birth of the League of Nations.  The League was actually established
in 1920 and its head quarters was shifted from Paris to Geneva in
Switzerland. Thus, the League of Nations came into being. However,
League failed to prevent the Second World War.
LESSON 29
THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. The establishment of the League of Nations.
2. The organs of the League of Nations.
3. The achievements of the League of Nations.
4. Causes for the failure of the League of Nations.
WOODROW WILSON 
307 306
Mandate system
It was set up by the League.  The territories captured from the
Central Powers and Turkey were not restored to them. The
administration of those countries was given to various powers under
the supervision of the League of Nations.
ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS
Aaland Islands
These islands lie between Sweden and Finland.  Both Finland
and Aaland once belonged to Sweden.  On the ownership of Aaland
Islands, there came a dispute between Sweden and Finland in 1920.
A special Commission of the League investigated the case and settled
the dispute in favour of Finland.
Mosul Boundary Dispute
This was a question related to the frontier dispute between
Turkey and the Great Britain’s mandated territory of Iraq.  Both the
parties claimed Mosul Villayet which was rich in oil.  Both failed to
come to an agreement on this boundary line.  Ultimately the League
Council gave its final judgment on the subject.  .  In June 1926, a
treaty was made between Turkey and Great Britain by which a small
part of the Villayet was given to Turkey.  The revised boundary was
recognised as definite.  Some royalty from Mosul oil fields were
given to Turkey.
Eupen and Malmady
In 1920 and 1921 Germany protested to the League of Nations
against the decision of giving  Euphen and Malmady to Belgium.
The League Council discussed the matter in September 1920 and
wrote to the government that its decision regarding the transfer of
Euphen and Malmedy to Belgium was final.
Council.  The member states had to pay towards the expenses of the
Secretariat..
The Permanent Court of International Justice
It consisted of 15 judges with its head quarters at The Hague.
It gave judgments on questions involving the interpretation of
international law, treaties and other mutual obligations.  The judges
of the court were elected for nine years.
The International Labour Organisation
It was also attached to the League of Nations with its
headquarters at Geneva.  Its object was to improve the labour
conditions in various parts of the world.  Its governing body consisted
of the representatives of the government, employers and workers.
The Secretariat The Assembly
The League of
Nations
Permanent Court of
International Justice
The International
Labour Organisation
The League
Council
ORGANISATION OF THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS
309 308
improve national health.  It organised technical conferences. The
League did commentate Common Wealth work in the field of control
of traffic in dangerous drugs, peasant reforms, suppression of trade
in obscene literature .
Causes for the Failure of League of Nations
The League failed in its main object of maintaining peace in
the world.  In spite of its efforts for two decades, the whole world
was involved in war again in 1939. There are many causes for its
failure.
The major powers like USA and USSR were not members of
the League of Nations. This was a serious defect.
It was unfortunate that the Covenant of the League of Nations
was made a part and parcel of the peace settlement.  It would have
been better if it had been kept separate.  There were many states
which considered the Treaty of Versailles as a treaty of revenge and
were not prepared to ratify the same.  By not ratifying the treaty,
they were refused to be members the League.  The absence of great
powers [USA and USSR] in the international organisation weakened
the League.  Japan, Germany and Italy had left the League.
There was also a feeling among the nations that the League of
Nations was fully dominated by the victorious countries of World
War I especially of France and England.  The result was that the
other states began to doubt about the working of the League of
Nations.
The countries like Germany were humiliated by the victorious
countries.  Germany was compelled to pay war reparations when it
was suffering from economic difficulties.  Hence there were no
chances of peace.
After World War I, in Europe there came situations for the rise
of dictatorships in Italy, Japan and Germany.  Japan in the Far East
Curfu Incident
In August 1923, an Italian general and two officers were
murdered on Greek soil.  The Italians demanded apologies and
reparations too for the crime.  Greece refused to accept the demands
of Italy.  Hence Italy occupied the island of Curfu.  In this dispute
Britain and France mediated and brought about a compromise
between Italy and Greece.
Dispute between Greece and Bulgaria
There was a border dispute between Greece and Bulgaria.  In
1925 a Greek army commander was murdered.  The Greek army
marched in to Bulgaria.  The League Council requested Britain and
France to investigate this affair.  The Greek forces were withdrawn
and Greece was asked to pay compensation to Bulgaria for violation
of her territory on a scale to be fixed by a League Commission.
Dispute between Great Britain and France
In 1921, there was dispute between France and Great Britain
over the nationality question in Tunis and Morocco.  The matter went
to the Court of International Justice.  However the dispute was
decided by mutual negotiations between the foreign ministers of the
two countries.
Non-political Work
The League did also a lot of non-political work.  A slavery
convention met at Geneva in 1925.  In 1932 it was decided to set up
a permanent Slavery Commission. The Financial Commission
was responsible for the issue and supervision of various League Loans
for Austria, Hungary, Greece etc. The league also set up in 1923 the
Health Organisation with a Health Committee and a secretariat.
It did good in fighting diseases such as  Malaria, Smallpox, Rabies,
Cancer, Tuberculosis and heart diseases etc. It helped nations to
Page 4


305 304
Aims of the League
The League aimed at preventing wars through peaceful
settlement of disputes among member nations. Secondly it desired to
preserve and protect the independence of member-nations by
promoting international understanding and co-operation.
Organs of the League
The League set upon itself the task of achieving the above
aims through its organs-mainly the Assembly and the Council.  To
begin with, all those powers who worked for the defeat of Germany
and her allies became the members of the League.
The Assembly
This supreme body consisted of the representatives of the
various states which were the members of the League.  Every
member state was given the right of one vote in the Assembly.  All
decisions of the Assembly were required to be unanimous.  It acted
as International Legislature.
The Council
It originally consisted of four permanent members and four
other members elected by the Assembly.  In 1926, Germany was
also given a permanent seat in the council. The number of non-
permanent members continued to increase and ultimately it reached
the figures of eleven.  Of the two, the assembly was certainly stronger.
The Secretariat
It was located at Geneva.  The
Secretary General was the prominent figure.
He was appointed by the Council but the
approval of Assembly was essential.  The staff
of the Secretariat was appointed by the
Secretary General in consultation with the
SYMBOL OF THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS 
Establishment of League of Nations
The out break of the First World War made the leaders of the
world to establish an international organisation for preventing future
wars.  The Treaty of Versailles also provided a
Covenant for the establishment of an
international organisation to maintain peace and
security in the world.  The founder of this
organization was President Woodrow Wilson of
USA. It was his idea to create a world
organization to maintain peace and prevent
future wars. President Woodrow Wilson’s
Fourteen Points underline the creation of a
general association of nations. It was Woodrow
Wilson who worked hard during Paris negotiations to bring about the
birth of the League of Nations.  The League was actually established
in 1920 and its head quarters was shifted from Paris to Geneva in
Switzerland. Thus, the League of Nations came into being. However,
League failed to prevent the Second World War.
LESSON 29
THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. The establishment of the League of Nations.
2. The organs of the League of Nations.
3. The achievements of the League of Nations.
4. Causes for the failure of the League of Nations.
WOODROW WILSON 
307 306
Mandate system
It was set up by the League.  The territories captured from the
Central Powers and Turkey were not restored to them. The
administration of those countries was given to various powers under
the supervision of the League of Nations.
ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS
Aaland Islands
These islands lie between Sweden and Finland.  Both Finland
and Aaland once belonged to Sweden.  On the ownership of Aaland
Islands, there came a dispute between Sweden and Finland in 1920.
A special Commission of the League investigated the case and settled
the dispute in favour of Finland.
Mosul Boundary Dispute
This was a question related to the frontier dispute between
Turkey and the Great Britain’s mandated territory of Iraq.  Both the
parties claimed Mosul Villayet which was rich in oil.  Both failed to
come to an agreement on this boundary line.  Ultimately the League
Council gave its final judgment on the subject.  .  In June 1926, a
treaty was made between Turkey and Great Britain by which a small
part of the Villayet was given to Turkey.  The revised boundary was
recognised as definite.  Some royalty from Mosul oil fields were
given to Turkey.
Eupen and Malmady
In 1920 and 1921 Germany protested to the League of Nations
against the decision of giving  Euphen and Malmady to Belgium.
The League Council discussed the matter in September 1920 and
wrote to the government that its decision regarding the transfer of
Euphen and Malmedy to Belgium was final.
Council.  The member states had to pay towards the expenses of the
Secretariat..
The Permanent Court of International Justice
It consisted of 15 judges with its head quarters at The Hague.
It gave judgments on questions involving the interpretation of
international law, treaties and other mutual obligations.  The judges
of the court were elected for nine years.
The International Labour Organisation
It was also attached to the League of Nations with its
headquarters at Geneva.  Its object was to improve the labour
conditions in various parts of the world.  Its governing body consisted
of the representatives of the government, employers and workers.
The Secretariat The Assembly
The League of
Nations
Permanent Court of
International Justice
The International
Labour Organisation
The League
Council
ORGANISATION OF THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS
309 308
improve national health.  It organised technical conferences. The
League did commentate Common Wealth work in the field of control
of traffic in dangerous drugs, peasant reforms, suppression of trade
in obscene literature .
Causes for the Failure of League of Nations
The League failed in its main object of maintaining peace in
the world.  In spite of its efforts for two decades, the whole world
was involved in war again in 1939. There are many causes for its
failure.
The major powers like USA and USSR were not members of
the League of Nations. This was a serious defect.
It was unfortunate that the Covenant of the League of Nations
was made a part and parcel of the peace settlement.  It would have
been better if it had been kept separate.  There were many states
which considered the Treaty of Versailles as a treaty of revenge and
were not prepared to ratify the same.  By not ratifying the treaty,
they were refused to be members the League.  The absence of great
powers [USA and USSR] in the international organisation weakened
the League.  Japan, Germany and Italy had left the League.
There was also a feeling among the nations that the League of
Nations was fully dominated by the victorious countries of World
War I especially of France and England.  The result was that the
other states began to doubt about the working of the League of
Nations.
The countries like Germany were humiliated by the victorious
countries.  Germany was compelled to pay war reparations when it
was suffering from economic difficulties.  Hence there were no
chances of peace.
After World War I, in Europe there came situations for the rise
of dictatorships in Italy, Japan and Germany.  Japan in the Far East
Curfu Incident
In August 1923, an Italian general and two officers were
murdered on Greek soil.  The Italians demanded apologies and
reparations too for the crime.  Greece refused to accept the demands
of Italy.  Hence Italy occupied the island of Curfu.  In this dispute
Britain and France mediated and brought about a compromise
between Italy and Greece.
Dispute between Greece and Bulgaria
There was a border dispute between Greece and Bulgaria.  In
1925 a Greek army commander was murdered.  The Greek army
marched in to Bulgaria.  The League Council requested Britain and
France to investigate this affair.  The Greek forces were withdrawn
and Greece was asked to pay compensation to Bulgaria for violation
of her territory on a scale to be fixed by a League Commission.
Dispute between Great Britain and France
In 1921, there was dispute between France and Great Britain
over the nationality question in Tunis and Morocco.  The matter went
to the Court of International Justice.  However the dispute was
decided by mutual negotiations between the foreign ministers of the
two countries.
Non-political Work
The League did also a lot of non-political work.  A slavery
convention met at Geneva in 1925.  In 1932 it was decided to set up
a permanent Slavery Commission. The Financial Commission
was responsible for the issue and supervision of various League Loans
for Austria, Hungary, Greece etc. The league also set up in 1923 the
Health Organisation with a Health Committee and a secretariat.
It did good in fighting diseases such as  Malaria, Smallpox, Rabies,
Cancer, Tuberculosis and heart diseases etc. It helped nations to
311 310
Learning Outcome
After learning this lesson the students will be to explain
1. The formation of the League of Nations.
2. The role of Woodrow Wilson in its formation.
3. The achievements of the League of Nations in establishing
world peace.
4. Causes for the failure of the League of Nations.
conquered Manchuria.  The League was not also in a position to
condemn the action of Japan. Japan was also prepared to give up the
membership of the League.
Likewise in Italy there was Fascist Dictatorship.  This had
preached the people of Italy narrow nationalism.  Italy captured
Abyssinia. When the League questioned the conquest of Italy on
Abyssinia, it left the League.
Germany too was not prepared to accept the commitments
under the Treaty of Versailles.  In Germany too there was Nazi
dictatorship.  Hitler preached pseudo patriotism.  He also spoke about
the superiority of German race over other races.  He wanted to expand
Germany’s sway over Austria and Poland. He made conquests over
these countries.  Defying the provisions of the Treaty of Versailles
he increased the armaments. When this was questioned in the
League, Germany left the League.
Small nations lost their faith on the working of the League.
They felt that the League of Nations had no power to control the
aggressive activities of the big powers.
France’s insistence of forcing Germany to pay the war
reparation at the time of its economic crisis had disastrous effects on
the politics of the country.  This contributed to the downfall of the
Weimar Republic. This led to the rise of Hitler in Germany and the
latter was responsible for the failure of the League.
The birth of the League of Nations on the ruins of the First
World War was welcomed. However, the member states of the
League did not cooperate. As a result the League failed in its mission.
Thus, the Second World War broke out. Finally, UNO was established
on the disintegration of the League.
Page 5


305 304
Aims of the League
The League aimed at preventing wars through peaceful
settlement of disputes among member nations. Secondly it desired to
preserve and protect the independence of member-nations by
promoting international understanding and co-operation.
Organs of the League
The League set upon itself the task of achieving the above
aims through its organs-mainly the Assembly and the Council.  To
begin with, all those powers who worked for the defeat of Germany
and her allies became the members of the League.
The Assembly
This supreme body consisted of the representatives of the
various states which were the members of the League.  Every
member state was given the right of one vote in the Assembly.  All
decisions of the Assembly were required to be unanimous.  It acted
as International Legislature.
The Council
It originally consisted of four permanent members and four
other members elected by the Assembly.  In 1926, Germany was
also given a permanent seat in the council. The number of non-
permanent members continued to increase and ultimately it reached
the figures of eleven.  Of the two, the assembly was certainly stronger.
The Secretariat
It was located at Geneva.  The
Secretary General was the prominent figure.
He was appointed by the Council but the
approval of Assembly was essential.  The staff
of the Secretariat was appointed by the
Secretary General in consultation with the
SYMBOL OF THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS 
Establishment of League of Nations
The out break of the First World War made the leaders of the
world to establish an international organisation for preventing future
wars.  The Treaty of Versailles also provided a
Covenant for the establishment of an
international organisation to maintain peace and
security in the world.  The founder of this
organization was President Woodrow Wilson of
USA. It was his idea to create a world
organization to maintain peace and prevent
future wars. President Woodrow Wilson’s
Fourteen Points underline the creation of a
general association of nations. It was Woodrow
Wilson who worked hard during Paris negotiations to bring about the
birth of the League of Nations.  The League was actually established
in 1920 and its head quarters was shifted from Paris to Geneva in
Switzerland. Thus, the League of Nations came into being. However,
League failed to prevent the Second World War.
LESSON 29
THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. The establishment of the League of Nations.
2. The organs of the League of Nations.
3. The achievements of the League of Nations.
4. Causes for the failure of the League of Nations.
WOODROW WILSON 
307 306
Mandate system
It was set up by the League.  The territories captured from the
Central Powers and Turkey were not restored to them. The
administration of those countries was given to various powers under
the supervision of the League of Nations.
ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS
Aaland Islands
These islands lie between Sweden and Finland.  Both Finland
and Aaland once belonged to Sweden.  On the ownership of Aaland
Islands, there came a dispute between Sweden and Finland in 1920.
A special Commission of the League investigated the case and settled
the dispute in favour of Finland.
Mosul Boundary Dispute
This was a question related to the frontier dispute between
Turkey and the Great Britain’s mandated territory of Iraq.  Both the
parties claimed Mosul Villayet which was rich in oil.  Both failed to
come to an agreement on this boundary line.  Ultimately the League
Council gave its final judgment on the subject.  .  In June 1926, a
treaty was made between Turkey and Great Britain by which a small
part of the Villayet was given to Turkey.  The revised boundary was
recognised as definite.  Some royalty from Mosul oil fields were
given to Turkey.
Eupen and Malmady
In 1920 and 1921 Germany protested to the League of Nations
against the decision of giving  Euphen and Malmady to Belgium.
The League Council discussed the matter in September 1920 and
wrote to the government that its decision regarding the transfer of
Euphen and Malmedy to Belgium was final.
Council.  The member states had to pay towards the expenses of the
Secretariat..
The Permanent Court of International Justice
It consisted of 15 judges with its head quarters at The Hague.
It gave judgments on questions involving the interpretation of
international law, treaties and other mutual obligations.  The judges
of the court were elected for nine years.
The International Labour Organisation
It was also attached to the League of Nations with its
headquarters at Geneva.  Its object was to improve the labour
conditions in various parts of the world.  Its governing body consisted
of the representatives of the government, employers and workers.
The Secretariat The Assembly
The League of
Nations
Permanent Court of
International Justice
The International
Labour Organisation
The League
Council
ORGANISATION OF THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS
309 308
improve national health.  It organised technical conferences. The
League did commentate Common Wealth work in the field of control
of traffic in dangerous drugs, peasant reforms, suppression of trade
in obscene literature .
Causes for the Failure of League of Nations
The League failed in its main object of maintaining peace in
the world.  In spite of its efforts for two decades, the whole world
was involved in war again in 1939. There are many causes for its
failure.
The major powers like USA and USSR were not members of
the League of Nations. This was a serious defect.
It was unfortunate that the Covenant of the League of Nations
was made a part and parcel of the peace settlement.  It would have
been better if it had been kept separate.  There were many states
which considered the Treaty of Versailles as a treaty of revenge and
were not prepared to ratify the same.  By not ratifying the treaty,
they were refused to be members the League.  The absence of great
powers [USA and USSR] in the international organisation weakened
the League.  Japan, Germany and Italy had left the League.
There was also a feeling among the nations that the League of
Nations was fully dominated by the victorious countries of World
War I especially of France and England.  The result was that the
other states began to doubt about the working of the League of
Nations.
The countries like Germany were humiliated by the victorious
countries.  Germany was compelled to pay war reparations when it
was suffering from economic difficulties.  Hence there were no
chances of peace.
After World War I, in Europe there came situations for the rise
of dictatorships in Italy, Japan and Germany.  Japan in the Far East
Curfu Incident
In August 1923, an Italian general and two officers were
murdered on Greek soil.  The Italians demanded apologies and
reparations too for the crime.  Greece refused to accept the demands
of Italy.  Hence Italy occupied the island of Curfu.  In this dispute
Britain and France mediated and brought about a compromise
between Italy and Greece.
Dispute between Greece and Bulgaria
There was a border dispute between Greece and Bulgaria.  In
1925 a Greek army commander was murdered.  The Greek army
marched in to Bulgaria.  The League Council requested Britain and
France to investigate this affair.  The Greek forces were withdrawn
and Greece was asked to pay compensation to Bulgaria for violation
of her territory on a scale to be fixed by a League Commission.
Dispute between Great Britain and France
In 1921, there was dispute between France and Great Britain
over the nationality question in Tunis and Morocco.  The matter went
to the Court of International Justice.  However the dispute was
decided by mutual negotiations between the foreign ministers of the
two countries.
Non-political Work
The League did also a lot of non-political work.  A slavery
convention met at Geneva in 1925.  In 1932 it was decided to set up
a permanent Slavery Commission. The Financial Commission
was responsible for the issue and supervision of various League Loans
for Austria, Hungary, Greece etc. The league also set up in 1923 the
Health Organisation with a Health Committee and a secretariat.
It did good in fighting diseases such as  Malaria, Smallpox, Rabies,
Cancer, Tuberculosis and heart diseases etc. It helped nations to
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Learning Outcome
After learning this lesson the students will be to explain
1. The formation of the League of Nations.
2. The role of Woodrow Wilson in its formation.
3. The achievements of the League of Nations in establishing
world peace.
4. Causes for the failure of the League of Nations.
conquered Manchuria.  The League was not also in a position to
condemn the action of Japan. Japan was also prepared to give up the
membership of the League.
Likewise in Italy there was Fascist Dictatorship.  This had
preached the people of Italy narrow nationalism.  Italy captured
Abyssinia. When the League questioned the conquest of Italy on
Abyssinia, it left the League.
Germany too was not prepared to accept the commitments
under the Treaty of Versailles.  In Germany too there was Nazi
dictatorship.  Hitler preached pseudo patriotism.  He also spoke about
the superiority of German race over other races.  He wanted to expand
Germany’s sway over Austria and Poland. He made conquests over
these countries.  Defying the provisions of the Treaty of Versailles
he increased the armaments. When this was questioned in the
League, Germany left the League.
Small nations lost their faith on the working of the League.
They felt that the League of Nations had no power to control the
aggressive activities of the big powers.
France’s insistence of forcing Germany to pay the war
reparation at the time of its economic crisis had disastrous effects on
the politics of the country.  This contributed to the downfall of the
Weimar Republic. This led to the rise of Hitler in Germany and the
latter was responsible for the failure of the League.
The birth of the League of Nations on the ruins of the First
World War was welcomed. However, the member states of the
League did not cooperate. As a result the League failed in its mission.
Thus, the Second World War broke out. Finally, UNO was established
on the disintegration of the League.
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VI. Write short notes (Any three points).
1. International Labour Organization
2. Mandate System
3. Curfu Incident
VII. Answer briefly (100 words).
1. Give an account of the formation of the League of Nations.
2. Describe the important organs of the League of Nations.
VIII. Answer in detail (200 words).
1. Examine the achievements of the League of Nations.
2. Analyse the causes for the failure of the League of Nations.
MODEL QUESTIONS
I. Choose the correct answer.
1. Name the person responsible for the founding of the League
of Nations
(a) George Washington (b) Harry Truman
(c) F.D. Roosevelt (d) Woodrow Wilson
II. Fill in the blanks.
1. The League of Nations was established in the year …..
III. Match the following.
1. Headquarters of the League of Nations a. The Hague
2. Court of International Justice b. Curfu Incident
3. Italy c. Turkey and Iraq
4. Mosul Boundary d. Geneva
IV. Find out the correct statement. One statement alone is
right.
a) The U.S.A did not join the League of Nations.
b) The League of Nations succeeded in preventing the world war.
c) The League of Nations successfully prevented Japanese attack
on Manchuria.
d) Hitler and Mussolini did not respect the decisions of the League
of Nations.
V. State whether the following statements are True or False.
1. The mandate system was set up by the League of Nations.
2. The League of Nations was replaced by the United Nations
Organization.