The League of Nations Attempts at Peacekeeping in the 1920s | History for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Aims and Methods of Peacekeeping

• Following the Versailles Settlement, multiple border disputes arose as a consequence.
• The dissolution of the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian empires led to the emergence of new nations such as Poland, which resulted in territorial adjustments, diminishing the power of countries like Germany and Austria.
• The Allies' delineation of new borders stirred international tensions and conflicts along these borderlands.
• Some nations resorted to invading others in pursuit of expanding their territories.

Collective Security

• Article 10 of the Covenant of the League of Nations emphasized 'collective security,' signifying that an attack on one member would be considered an attack on all.
• The League could mobilize a unified army to defend a member state against aggression.

Peacekeeping Methods

• Collective security aimed to foster a sense of security among member nations and serve as a deterrent to war.
• Other peacekeeping strategies included:
  • Moral condemnation: Express disapproval of actions through influence.
  • Trade sanctions: Impose trade embargoes on belligerent nations.
  • Compensation: Require the aggressor to compensate the victimized nation financially as an apology for their actions.
  • Utilization of the Conference of Ambassadors: An organization overseeing the Versailles Settlement, comprising representatives from Britain, France, and Japan, working in collaboration with the League to settle disputes.
  • Plebiscites: Allow the inhabitants of a contested region to determine their governing authority.
  • Non-intervention: In certain instances, such as the French invasion of the Ruhr, the League refrained from interference.

League's Peacekeeping Outcomes

• The League's efforts to maintain peace in Europe yielded varied results, reflecting a mixed track record in resolving conflicts and preventing war.

Vilna, 1920

Significance of the Vilna Dispute

• Undermining League's Authority: This event weakened the League of Nations' credibility and effectiveness.
• First Appeal for League's Assistance: Vilna marked the initial instance of an invaded nation seeking the League's intervention.
• Failure of Collective Security: The League's inability to uphold its commitment to collective security was evident.
• Reluctance of Permanent Members: Permanent members hesitated to mobilize a joint army, showcasing their reservations.
• French-Polish Relations: France's reluctance stemmed from its desire not to antagonize Poland, viewed as a potential ally.
• British Caution: Britain refrained from unilateral action, opting to act in unison with other League members.

Aaland Islands, 1920–1921

Significance of Aaland Islands Dispute

• One of the major achievements of the League of Nations
• When both parties respected the League of Nations:
  • They sought the League’s assistance in resolving their conflict
  • Agreed to abide by the League’s decision

Upper Silesia, 1921

Significance of the Upper Silesia Dispute

• Originally, the Upper Silesia dispute marked a victory for the League of Nations. Both involved nations agreed to abide by the League's decision.
• As the League's intervention concluded in 1925, tensions escalated between Poland and Germany. Poland contended that despite half of Upper Silesia's population being Polish, they were allocated only one-third of the territory. Conversely, Germany protested that the settlement deprived them of a quarter of their coal mines.

Corfu, 1923

Significance of the Corfu Dispute

• Without the presence of the USA, the League found it challenging to oppose dominant nations like Italy.
• Britain and France opted to steer clear of the conflict, allowing Mussolini to strong-arm the League into compliance.
• This incident established a precedent for other aggressive leaders to exploit the League for their own gains.
• It underscored that entities such as the Conference of Ambassadors could nullify decisions made by the League.

Bulgaria, 1925

• Significance of the Bulgaria Dispute

  • Highlighted the inconsistencies in the League of Nations' decisions.
  • Both the Corfu and Bulgaria disputes involved the death of a military officer and led to armed invasions.
  • The League failed to penalize Italy for invading Corfu but penalized Greece for invading Bulgaria.
  • Revealed the League's reluctance to upset certain nations, affecting its impartiality.
  • This partiality damaged the League's credibility as a peacekeeping entity.
  • Comparison of Corfu and Bulgaria Disputes:
    • Both conflicts resulted in the death of a military officer and triggered armed invasions.
    • The League's response differed: it didn't sanction Italy for Corfu but did so for Greece in Bulgaria.
  • Common Elements in Both Disputes:
    • Both incidents involved the death of a military officer.
    • They culminated in one country invading another.