To what extent was the League of Nations a success? 

Components of the League of Nations and their Goals

The Council

• They were the highest-ranking group in the League of Nations and consisted of four original permanent members in 1920 (Britain, France, Italy, and Japan).

• Over time, more members, both permanent and non-permanent, were added, including Germany in 1926.

• The council met 4 times a year, and in times of crisis, to make important decisions

  
  

The Secretariat

• Responsible for all administrative and financial work for the League of Nations

• They were based in the League of Nations Headquarters in Geneva and made daily reports

  
  

The Assembly

•   Consisted of all the nations that were not part of the council

• They only met once a year and held votes to make key decisions, and each nation held one seat

• They were responsible for the League of Nations budget and organizing general policies

  
  

The Permanent Court of Justice

• An independent organization that closely worked with the League of Nations

• They offered support to countries in disputes by providing legal advice

• Their main objective was to prevent wars

• They consisted of 15 judges

The International Labour Organization

• An independent organization that worked closely with the League of Nations

• Their main objective was to improve lives and living conditions

• They were based in Geneva and consisted of workers and employees from the government and private sectors

• Focused on issues surrounding women's rights, child labor, and working hours

The Disarmament Commission

• A part of the League of Nations that focused on convincing members to disarm

• They held the World Disarmament Conference in Geneva throughout 1932-1934

The Mandates Agency

•   An agency set up in the League of Nations who were in charge of supervising the mandates (former colonies from defeated powers such as Germany).

• Most mandates were given to nations in the League of Nations or formed into free cities under the League of Nations rather than becoming independent states

• The agency ensured the mandated rulers were being fair and keeping their territories under control

  
  

The League's aims

• To stop wars and world conflict

• To improve working and living conditions around the world

• To encourage disarmament for all countries

• Enforce treaties set after the First World War

The League of Nations ' three-step plan to Avoid Wars

Collective Security – an agreement by a group of nations to defend each other in case of an attack on any member.

1. Moral Disapproval

The Council will determine which nation is at fault and should be penalized when conflict arises between different countries.

2. Economic Sanctions

The country believed to have initiated the conflict will face financial repercussions, as the League of Nations will sever trade routes with the nation.

3. Military Sanctions

If the country is still causing conflict, then the other nations involved will receive armed support from other nations in the League of Nations, as a war could occur.

Issues of Collective Security

- As the USA did not join, there was no large economy or army they could use.

- Countries might refuse to help each other.

-  There was no army directly under the League of Nations.

- It involved unanimous decisions as all decisions in the assembly and council were unanimous; this could lead to slow decisions, and countries could protect themselves discreetly.