Summary
The League of Nations' humanitarian work was its most successful area, focusing on international cooperation to address global welfare issues.
- Refugee Organisation — addressed the crisis of displaced persons post-World War I and Russian Revolution. Example: Created the Nansen Passport, aiding stateless refugees.
- Health Organisation — tackled global health challenges and set international health standards. Example: Launched campaigns against diseases like malaria and typhus.
- Slavery Commission — aimed to abolish slavery and forced labour worldwide. Example: Achieved the 1926 Slavery Convention.
- International Labour Organisation (ILO) — established labour standards to improve working conditions. Example: Banned poisonous white lead in paint.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Nansen Passport
- 1926 Slavery Convention
- International Labour Organisation (ILO)
Common Confusions
- The League's political vs. humanitarian successes
- Enforcement power of the League's agencies
Typical Exam Questions
- How did the Nansen Passport help refugees? It provided legal identity and travel rights to stateless refugees.
- What was the impact of the Health Organisation's work? It controlled diseases and set health standards still in use today.
- Why was the Slavery Commission significant? It laid the foundation for modern anti-slavery laws.
What Examiners Usually Test
- The effectiveness of the League's humanitarian agencies
- The long-term impact of the League's humanitarian work