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Reasons for, and actions taken in response to, the crises in Manchuria and Abyssinia

10.2 The Failure of the League

The Rise of Extremism and the Outbreak of World War II

 A Level/AS Level/O Level

History Notes

Your Burning Questions Answered!

Analyze the geopolitical factors that contributed to the Manchurian Crisis and assess the League of Nations' response.

Examine the economic and military actions taken by Japan in response to the Manchurian Crisis, and evaluate the League's attempts to mediate.

Discuss the similarities and differences between the Manchurian and Abyssinia Crises, and assess the League's role in both conflicts.

Analyze the impact of the Manchurian and Abyssinia Crises on the League's credibility and authority as an international organization.

Would a more decisive League of Nations response have prevented the outbreak of World War II? Argue your case with evidence from the Manchurian and Abyssinia Crises.

Reasons for, and actions taken in response to, the crises in Manchuria and Abyssinia

10.2 The Failure of the League: Manchuria and Abyssinia

1. The League of Nations: A Flawed Attempt at Peace

After the horrors of World War I, the League of Nations was established in 1920, aiming to prevent future conflicts through international cooperation. It aimed to:

⭐Resolve disputes peacefully: By providing a forum for dialogue and negotiation.
⭐Enforce international law: By applying sanctions on aggressor nations.
⭐Promote global cooperation: By working on issues like labor rights, refugees, and health.

However, the League faced several weaknesses:

⭐Lack of enforcement power: It couldn't impose its own military force, relying on member states to act.
⭐National interests over collective action: Powerful nations often prioritized their own interests, leading to inaction.
⭐Limited membership: Major powers like the United States never joined, weakening its effectiveness.

2. The Manchurian Crisis (1931-1933)

a) The Incident: In 1931, Japan, seeking resources and a buffer zone against Soviet influence, staged a railway bombing incident in Manchuria (northern China) and used it as an excuse to invade.

b) League Response: The League condemned Japan's aggression and called for withdrawal. However, Japan simply ignored the demands and left the organization in 1933.

c) Reasons for Failure:

⭐Lack of a strong response: No major power was willing to confront Japan militarily.
⭐Economic interests: Some powers, like Britain, prioritized trading with Japan over condemning its actions.
⭐Appeasement: Some believed that accommodating Japan would prevent further conflict.

d) Consequences:

⭐Japanese Expansionism: Emboldened by the League's inaction, Japan annexed Manchuria and went on to conquer much of China.
⭐Weakening the League: The Manchurian incident further exposed its inability to prevent aggression.

3. The Abyssinian Crisis (1935-1936)

a) The Invasion: Fascist Italy, led by Benito Mussolini, coveted the African nation of Abyssinia (Ethiopia) for its resources and strategic location. In 1935, they invaded, citing border disputes as a pretext.

b) League Response: The League condemned Italy and imposed sanctions against its trade and travel. However, these sanctions were ineffective, as they excluded important oil imports, which Italy could obtain elsewhere.

c) Reasons for Failure:

⭐Internal Divisions: The League was divided on how to respond, with some nations fearing a wider conflict.
⭐Appeasement: Britain and France hoped to appease Italy by focusing on containing Germany.
⭐Lack of Will: Several European nations lacked the will to confront Italy directly.

d) Consequences:

⭐Italian Conquest: Despite League sanctions, Italy conquered Abyssinia in 1936.
⭐Further Erosion of League Credibility: The failure to stop Italy's aggression weakened the League's authority even further.

4. The Failure of the League of Nations:

The Manchurian and Abyssinian crises exposed the League's fundamental flaws, leading to its ultimate failure. The League's inability to stop aggression by powerful nations, fueled by appeasement and self-interest, contributed to the growing sense of international lawlessness and paved the way for World War II.

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