How successful was the League of Nations in the 1920s?

Thesis statement: “The league of nations in the 1920s had significant achievements, but
faced limitations, reflecting a mixed record of success.”

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The league of nations, established in 1920 as a response to the devastation of world war 1,
aimed to promote international cooperation and prevent future conflicts. Even Though, the
league would be heavily involved in major peacekeeping operations in the 1920s, let's
examine how successful they were in achieving their goals.

During the 1920s, the league of nations achieved significant accomplishment that marked it
as a successful international organisation, firstly, the league successfully resolved several
territorial disputes such as the Aaland island disrupted between Finland and Sweden in 1921.
Through mediation, the league helped maintain peace and prevented the escalation of
conflicts, showcasing its effectiveness as a neutral arbitrator.

Secondly, the league’s efforts in addressing humanitarian issues were commendable. It

established agencies such as the international Labour Organisation (ILO) to improve working
conditions, fight against child labour, and promote social justice. The league’s dedication to
advancing human rights and labour standards set a precedent for future international
organisations.

Furthermore, the league’s economic initiatives contributed to stability and cooperation among
nations. The league facilitated negotiations for international treaties, such as the Washington
naval agreement in 1922, which successfully limited naval armaments. This agreement
reduced tensions and prevented an arms race, fostering an environment of cooperation and
disarmament.

Despite its achievements, the league of nations faced significant challenges and limitations
during the 1920s, which questioned its overall success. Firstly, the absence of major powers
like the United states and the Soviet Unions weakened the league’s authority and hindered its
ability to enforce decisions. Without full participation, the league lacked the necessary
influence to address global issues effectively.

Moreover, the league's inability to prevent major conflicts, such as the Manchurian and
Abyssinian crises, highlighted its limitations in maintaining peace. The league’s response to
these aggression was largely ineffective, exposing underlying power struggles and the
reluctance of member states to take any decisive action.

On top of that, the economic instability and the great depression in the late 1920s severely
undermined the league’s objectives. The economic crisis weakened international cooperation
and heightened nationalistic sentiments, making it challenging for the league to foster a
collective approach to global issues.
In conclusion, the League Of Nations in the 1920s experience a mixtures of success and
limitations. While it achieved notable accomplishments in territorial disputes and
humanitarian issues, and economic cooperation, the absence of major powers, its failure to
prevent major conflicts, and the impact of the Great Depression revealed its shortcomings.

Bibliography:
- Burg, D. F. (2016). The League of Nations: From Idealism to Realism. In The New Cambridge
History of American Foreign Relations (Vol. 2, pp. 89-117). Cambridge University Press .

- MacMillan, M. (2002). Peacemakers: The Paris Peace Conference of 1919 and Its Attempt to End
War. John Murray.

- Mingst, K. A., & Karns, M. P. (2019). The United Nations in the Twenty-First Century (6th ed.).
Westview Press.

- Osiander, A (2019), What was the League of Nations? . The Journal of Politics, 81(3), 961-974.