The League of Nations: Agencies vs. Peacekeeping

The League of Nations, established in 1920, aimed to prevent future wars through collective security and international cooperation. While its ultimate failure is evident in the outbreak of World War II, judging the success of its various endeavors requires a nuanced approach. This essay will argue that although the League demonstrated some success in peacekeeping, the work of its agencies was ultimately more impactful and enduring during the 1920s.

The League's Agencies: Tangible Achievements

The League’s agencies achieved significant successes, particularly in humanitarian relief and social progress. The League oversaw the repatriation of over half a million prisoners of war after World War I, providing much-needed closure and relief to families across Europe. The Refugee Committee, under Fridtjof Nansen, offered aid to over one million displaced people, including Turkish refugees in 1922. These efforts demonstrated the League's commitment to addressing the human cost of conflict and instability.

Furthermore, the League made strides in tackling social issues. The Slavery Convention of 1926, aiming for the abolition of slavery and the slave trade, led to the liberation of an estimated 200,000 slaves. The Health Organisation conducted valuable research and initiatives to combat diseases like malaria and leprosy, contributing to global health improvements. These successes illustrate the League’s potential to address pressing global challenges beyond traditional security concerns.

Peacekeeping: Limited Success and Stark Failures

While the League did achieve some successes in peacekeeping, its limitations were evident in several instances. The peaceful resolution of the Aaland Islands dispute between Sweden and Finland in 1921, along with the settlement regarding the Silesian coalfields between Germany and Poland, demonstrated the potential of arbitration. Similarly, the League's intervention helped end the Greco-Bulgarian War in 1925, showcasing a capacity for conflict resolution. The dispatch of economic experts to Austria in 1923 also prevented a potential crisis, highlighting the League's proactive approach to international stability.

However, these successes were overshadowed by significant failures. The League proved powerless in the face of direct aggression, as seen in Poland's annexation of Vilnius from Lithuania in 1920. Mussolini's invasion of Corfu in 1923 further exposed the League's impotence when confronted with determined aggressors. Despite ongoing efforts, the League failed to achieve any meaningful progress towards disarmament, a core objective of its mandate. The unwillingness of major powers to commit to collective security and disarm undermined the League’s credibility and effectiveness in maintaining peace.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Social Progress

In conclusion, while the League of Nations experienced both successes and failures in peacekeeping during the 1920s, its agencies' work proved more enduring and impactful. The League’s efforts in humanitarian aid, refugee assistance, combating slavery, and addressing public health concerns had a lasting positive effect on countless lives. In contrast, its peacekeeping efforts, while showcasing some potential, were ultimately hindered by the self-interest of powerful nations and a lack of commitment to collective security. The League’s legacy lies primarily in its social and humanitarian achievements, which laid the groundwork for future international organizations and efforts towards a more just and peaceful world.

Sources:

⭐Carver, T. (2010). The League of Nations. In Martel, G. (Ed.), Encyclopedia of War. Oxford University Press.
⭐Henig, R. (1998). The League of Nations. Palgrave Macmillan.