Key Factors Responsible for Failure of Leagues of Nation

Introduction

The League of Nations was an organization for international cooperation. It was established on January 10, 1920, at the initiative of the victorious Allied powers at the end of World War I and was formally disbanded on April 19, 1946. Although ultimately it was unable to fulfill the hopes of its founders, there are several causes of its failure.

Key Factors Responsible for Failure of the League of Nations

Firstly, it was organized in a way that there would be a rise of new political morality to guide the course of international politics. The concept of state as the sovereign unit of society was restrained with the acceptance of the role of great powers as key participants in the organization. However, a new political system wasn’t developed to replace the old one, except for certain changes in the old system (Knock, 1995). It was recognized that the covenant might prohibit war under certain conditions, but still, they could go to war in specific situations.

Secondly, there was an absence of great powers. The League of Nations was never accepted by the United States of America, and the Soviet Union (Russia) joined only in later years. This weakness was never overcome by the League, so from the start, there wasn’t any binding forceful leadership (Walters, 1952).

Furthermore, there was less interest from members. All issues were addressed through unilateral efforts rather than collective actions by League members. Not a single motto was organized properly. There wasn’t any will to achieve goals; members shirked their responsibilities and tactically refused to respect obligations. For example, when major power interests were at stake, like Japan's aggression in Manchuria, the League refused to take action against Japan (Henig, 1973).

Moreover, France sought by all means to exploit advantages gained from its peace settlement in 1919. Great Britain attempted to return to a traditional policy of European balance of power. The weakening ties within the British Commonwealth reduced their influence on the council and led to essentially negative British policy.

The last significant factors were economic issues. During interwar years, economic instability played an important role in dissolving peace and consequently destroying the League itself. Economic depression gradually weakened this unifying force towards universalism (Clavin & Wessels, 2005).

Conclusion

In conclusion, there were many things that needed addressing since national loyalties were far stronger than those towards the League. It wasn’t considered an institution for peace and security properly. Despite its shortcomings, however, it demonstrated that it is possible to establish an integrated body of international officials who faithfully discharge international obligations imposed upon them (Scott & Scott, 1973). Its downfall wasn't due solely to a lack of executive efficiency but also because member interests varied significantly.

References:

• Clavin, P., & Wessels, J. (2005). Transnationalism and Social History: An Introduction The Journal of Modern History, 77(1), pp.123-126.
• Henig R.B., (1973). The Origins Of The Second World War. Routledge.
• Knock T.J., (1995). To End All Wars: Woodrow Wilson and The Quest For A New World Order. Princeton University Press.
• Scott G.W., & Scott E.M., (1973). The Rise And Fall Of The League Of Nations. Doubleday Anchor Books.
• Walters F.P., (1952). A History Of The League Of Nations. Oxford University Press.