Reasons for the Weakness of the League of Nations (II)

2. Post-War Attitudes of the Major Powers

The post-war attitudes of the major powers were affected by the disastrous outcomes of WW1; they had suffered a significant number of casualties & deaths.

The French and the British were war-weary and adopted a pacifist policy.

• France viewed Germany as a near and present danger and was determined that it be contained and kept weak.
• Italy was dissatisfied with its share of the spoils after WW1.
• Japan felt it deserved a larger share of the Far Eastern colonies and was increasingly aware of its lack of resources.
• The US adopted isolationism, distancing itself from issues outside America.

Hence. the major powers view their concerns and interests as more important than the League’s goal of world peace and security.

A. Appeasement and distrust

The post-war attitudes of the major powers affected their willingness to help maintain world peace & security as most of the member states suffered from the impact of WW1.

• Thus, they did not have sufficient military power to enforce the League’s decisions or deal with military threats from a powerful aggressor.

Despite their losses in WW1, Britain and France remained the only powers who were strong enough to deal with a military threat. Yet, both were unwilling to use sanctions or be involved in military conflicts.

• Eventually, in the face of military threat from Hitler’s Germany in the 1930s, France and Britain chose a policy of appeasement.

Furthermore, the League members were also unwilling to adhere to the League’s aim of disarmament, as it would affect their ability to protect their interests and territories.

The atmosphere of distrust that remained after the war further affected relations between the powers, contributing towards the League’s weaknesses.