The collapse of the League in the 1930s

• The collapse of the League in the 1930s

  The historian Piers Brendon has called the 1930s the ‘Dark Valley’, because it was a period of tension and mistrust which paved the way for the devastation of the Second World War.
• What was the effect of the Depression on the League of Nations in the 1930s?

  There was a steady decline in its influence
• What do historians debate regarding the decline of the League?

  They debate the reasons for its decline
• What was a key factor in the decline of the League according to some historians?

  The worldwide economic depression of the 1930s
• When did the worldwide economic depression begin?

  In 1929 with the US economy crash
• How did the US economy affect other countries in the 1920s?

  It made most countries richer and reduced tension
• What were the consequences of the US economy crashing for other countries?

  Poverty, unemployment, and political problems
• What was Japan's status by the 1920s?

  It was a major power with a strong military
• What factors contributed to Japan's power in the 1920s?

  Powerful army, strong industry, and growing empire
• What territories did Japan's growing empire include?

  The Korean peninsula
• How did the Depression impact Japan's economy?

  It caused a crisis due to trade barriers
• What actions did China and the USA take against Japan during the Depression?

  They imposed tariffs on Japanese goods
• What was the consequence of the collapse of the American market for Japan?

  It led to a crisis in Japan's economy
• What solution did army leaders in Japan propose to address economic problems?

  To build up a Japanese empire by force
• What crisis occurred in Manchuria from 1931 to 1933?

  Manchurian Crisis
• What was the problem during the Manchurian Crisis?

  Japan invaded Manchuria in northeast China
• What was the League's response to the Manchurian Crisis?

  No action was taken after a long delay
• What effect did the Manchurian Crisis have on the League of Nations?

  It made the League seem weak and ineffective
• What was the main issue during the Disarmament Conference from 1932 to 1934?

  Germany complained it was the only nation disarmed
• What was the League's response to Germany's complaint during the Disarmament Conference?

  The League could not get members to agree to disarm
• What was the effect of the Disarmament Conference on Germany and the League?

  Germany left the League and began to rearm openly
• How did other League members respond to Germany's rearmament?

  Britain and other members stopped trying to stop it
• What crisis occurred in Abyssinia from 1935 to 1936?

  Abyssinian Crisis
• What was the problem during the Abyssinian Crisis?

  Italy invaded Abyssinia
• What was the League's response to Italy's invasion of Abyssinia?

  Members could not agree on effective sanctions
• What secret deal did Britain and France attempt during the Abyssinian Crisis?

  To give most of Abyssinia to Italy
• What effect did the Abyssinian Crisis have on the League of Nations?

  It was seen as powerless and irrelevant
• What was one way the League of Nations could stop invasions?

  By using economic sanctions
• Why was the USA unwilling to help with economic sanctions during the Depression?

  It feared sanctions would worsen its economy
• What role did Britain play in the League of Nations?

  It was one of the leaders
• How did Britain's economy affect its willingness to intervene in international disputes?

  It made Britain unwilling to help
• What action did Britain take when Japan invaded Manchuria?

  It did nothing and did not support sanctions
• How did the Depression impact Germany?

  It caused unemployment, poverty, and chaos
• What was the result of Germany's weak leadership during the Depression?

  Germans elected Adolf Hitler as leader
• Why was Adolf Hitler considered bad news for international peace?

  He planned to invade neighboring countries
• What was Japan's main export during the Depression?

  Silk to the USA
• How did the decrease in silk exports affect Japan?

  It reduced money for food and raw materials
• Who were Japan's leaders during the Depression?

  Army generals
• What strategy did Japan adopt to address its economic issues?

  Building an empire by invading weaker countries
• What significant action did Japan take in 1931?

  Invaded Manchuria