Failures of the League in the 1930s

• Manchuria, 1931:

  • Manchuria (1931): In order to resettle their growing population, revive export industry and gain resources, Japan achieved these aims militaristic ally by invading Manchuria. By this time, Japan already set up Manchukuo government. Japan ignores LON orders, leaves in 1933. Britain & Frances are unprepared, make excuses: too far, too chaotic. No action was taken. USA’s absence would weaken any economic sanction. Japan took over all of China at Nanking. This encouraged Hitler and Mussolini as this situation made League seem weak and ineffective when standing up to big powers.
• Abbysina, 1935-36:

  • Abyssinia (1935-6): Italy’s Motives: Revenge for 1896 when Italy was defeated by tribesmen in Abyssinia, victory = good propaganda during great depression, more resources and market to resolve economic disarray. Mussolini invades violently at Wal-Wal oasis, League could not impose any effective sanctions such as on coal or at Suez Canal as they would hurt British economy. Britain and France signed the Hoare-Laval Pact to appease Mussolini. Invited him in early 1935 to join formalised anti-German protest: France and Britain need Italy as ally against Hitler.
• Geneva Disarmament Conference (1932-4)
• Conference disrupted by Hitler’s demand for ‘equality of status’ and permission to rearm
• France outraged and reluctant
• Britain more optimistic
• Failed due to pursuit of self- interest by Britain
• Divide in approach to aggressors due to different vulnerabilities = major weakness
• 1933 onwards: open disarmament (rearming also good for employment)
• Only Germany expected to disarm - unfair basis
• No one was serious about it. France blatantly ignored the covenant
• Depression increased economic competition
• Military provided jobs and defense for colonies/markets
• Depression led to extremism in badly affected countries with few colonies like Germany, Italy & Japan
• Britain and France were divided on the issue
• Both disarmament and aggression curbing efforts failed in the 1930s