Summary
The League of Nations aimed to maintain peace through collective security, but its effectiveness was limited by its lack of armed forces and the need for unanimous decisions. The case studies of Vilna, Corfu, and Bulgaria illustrate the League's mixed success in peacekeeping during the 1920s.
- Vilna (1920) — A territorial dispute between Poland and Lithuania over the city of Vilna. Example: Poland seized Vilna, and the League failed to enforce its decisions due to Poland's support from France.
- Corfu (1923) — A conflict initiated by Italy's invasion of the Greek island of Corfu following the murder of Italian officials. Example: The League was intimidated by Italy, a Great Power, and failed to punish Italy, instead penalizing Greece.
- Bulgaria (1925) — A border incident where Greece invaded Bulgaria after a Greek soldier was shot. Example: The League successfully resolved the conflict by ordering Greek withdrawal and compensation, as no Great Powers were involved.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Collective security
- Economic sanctions
- Moral condemnation
Common Confusions
- Believing the League had its own military forces
- Assuming the League could act without unanimous agreement
Typical Exam Questions
- What was the outcome of the Vilna dispute? The League failed to act against Poland due to French support.
- How did the League respond to the Corfu incident? The League referred the matter to the Conference of Ambassadors, leading to Greece being punished.
- Why was the League successful in the Bulgaria dispute? The League acted swiftly without Great Power interference, leading to Greek compliance.
What Examiners Usually Test
- The impact of Great Power involvement on the League's effectiveness
- Differences in League responses to various disputes
- The structural weaknesses of the League of Nations