5.++League+of+Nations

=The Origins of the League of Nations=


 * Focus Points** • How successful was the League in the 1920s? • How far did weaknesses in the League’s organisation make failure inevitable?

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 * Specified Content** • The League of Nations: • strengths and weaknesses in its structure and organisation • successes and failures in peacekeeping during the 1920s •

The League of Nations came into existence on the 10th of January, 1920, the same day the Versailles Treaty came into effect. The idea of an international organization to preserve world peace was included as one of President Woodrow Wilson's 14 points in the Treaty of Versailles. The 14 points were a frame work for lasting peace after the First World War. The league had 42 members, and grew, by 1926, to 55. At the time of formation the League of Nations was based in Paris. It shifted to Geneva, Switzerland in November 1920. Task 1: You have been given the task of creating a League of Nations thats main focus is the prevention of war. This organization will offer countries who join the opportunity to solve their problems through discussion and diplomacy, rather than conflict resulting in war. Your group's objective is to establish a structure which will allow countries to be able to participate fully in the issues the League will be faced with.

media type="youtube" key="8pPmZm-zs-k" height="315" width="420" The Structure and Organization of the League of Nations During the 1920's, the League of Nations was involved in a number of disputes between various European countries. How successful was the League in solving these disagreements? Case Study: Examine the situations in Corfu (1923) and Bulgaria (1925). Was the League successfully able to resolve these disagreements? media type="custom" key="22521196"

**Revision for the structure, strength and weaknesses of the League of Nations**
More help with revision: media type="youtube" key="Ihw1y7ylkLU" width="420" height="315" Task 2: Create a League of Nations 'Facebook' Page:

One of the main jobs of the League of Nations was to encourage countries to try and disarm. Under the Treaty of Versailles, Germany was the main country forced to disarm. Other countries, however, were reluctant to do so, voluntarily. media type="youtube" key="pwg6_wqqC_0" height="315" width="420"

Revision- It is important to review content on a regular basis, but even more so if you have a test to study for! Use this powerpoint to help you remember what the aims of the League of Nations were, how the organization was structured and which countries belonged to the League and which ones did not.

**The Strengths and Weaknesses of the League of Nations**

 * Without question, the League of Nations faced a number of complicated issues throughout the 1920's, from territorial disputes and armed conflicts to resolving world humanitarian concerns, such as slavery and health problems. In order to assess the the successes and failures of the League of Nations, it is important to examine the strengths and weaknesses, not only in structure, but as a world wide organization with dedicated aims and goals.**

Task 2: As you examine the strengths and weaknesses of the League of Nations, it becomes essential to examine both sides of the argument, before making a final judgement with regard to the League of Nations. An essay plan is critical to presenting a balanced critique. Complete the following exercise in order to prepare to write about the strengths and weaknesses of the League of Nation

**The League and Disarmament**

One of the main aims of the League of Nations was to encourage peace through disarmament. According to Article 8 of the

League's Covenent, 'Members of the League recognise that the maintenance of peace requires the reduction of national armaments the lowest point consistent with national safety.... During the 1920s, the League reached a number of agreements with each other directly on the issue of armaments. These were not secret deals, as the League wanted to create an atmosphere of trust and not suspicion. They were all passed by the League. Task 3: Complete the League and Disarmament worksheet: Task 4: Group Work: