Why League of Nations Failed | The Outbreak of World War 2 | Flashback with Palki Sharma

Summary

The video script delves into the history of the League of Nations, an international organization established post-World War I to prevent future conflicts. Spearheaded by President Woodrow Wilson, the idea was to create a global platform for discussion and dispute resolution. Despite initial success, such as the Geneva Protocol banning chemical and biological weapons, the League struggled with the absence of the United States and faced defiance from authoritarian leaders like Hitler and Mussolini. Ultimately, its inability to enforce decisions led to its downfall and the rise of World War II. The script concludes with the establishment of the United Nations as a more powerful successor, suggesting that while the UN has lasted longer, it too faces similar challenges and could benefit from reforms.

Takeaways

• 🕊️ The League of Nations was an international organization proposed by Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, with the aim of preventing future wars and providing a platform for global discussion.
• 🏛️ Established after World War I, the League of Nations was created through the Treaty of Versailles, but the U.S. Congress did not ratify the treaty, leading to the U.S. not joining the organization.
• 🌍 The League had 41 member countries at its first session in Geneva in 1920, with a structure similar to the later United Nations, including an Assembly, a Council, an International Tribunal, and a Permanent Secretariat.
• 🚫 One of the League's achievements was the Geneva Protocol in 1928, which banned the use of chemical and biological weapons.
• 📉 The League faced challenges as authoritarian leaders like Adolf Hitler rose to power, leading to member countries like Japan and Germany withdrawing due to objections from the League.
• 🛑 Italy's invasion of Ethiopia was met with sanctions from the League, but this was not enough to prevent the country from leaving the organization in 1937.
• 💥 The League's inability to prevent the aggression of World War II member states, such as Germany's invasion of Denmark, highlighted its failure to maintain peace and security.
• 📚 After World War II, the victorious allies decided to dissolve the League of Nations and replace it with a new organization, the United Nations, in September 1945.
• 🔄 The League's failure can be attributed to multiple factors, including the absence of the U.S., internal disagreements, and the inability to enforce its decisions on member states.
• 🔄 The script suggests that the United Nations, while having outlived the League, still faces similar challenges and could benefit from reforms, such as more democratic practices and the sharing of power among member states.

Q & A

What was the context of the world in 1919 when the idea of the League of Nations was proposed?

In 1919, the world was in a dire state following the end of World War I. Around 20 million people had died, the economy was in shambles, and cities were barely standing. The situation was looking hopeless, and yet life had to go on.

Who was the key figure behind the proposal of the League of Nations?

Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, was the key figure behind the proposal of the League of Nations. He suggested the creation of a single global organization where countries could come together to discuss policies and resolve disputes.

What was the Treaty of Versailles and how does it relate to the League of Nations?

The Treaty of Versailles was the peace treaty signed by the Allies at the end of World War I. It included the establishment of the League of Nations as a means to prevent future wars and promote international cooperation.

Why did the United States not join the League of Nations?

The United States did not join the League of Nations because the U.S. Congress refused to approve the Treaty of Versailles, which included the establishment of the League. This was a significant setback for the organization.

What were the main functions of the League of Nations?

The League of Nations functioned with four main organs: an assembly of member countries, a council of permanent members, an international tribunal, and a permanent Secretariat. Its primary goal was to promote international cooperation and maintain peace.

What was one of the significant achievements of the League of Nations in the 1920s?

One of the significant achievements of the League of Nations in the 1920s was the Geneva Protocol, which banned the use of chemical and biological weapons in 1928.

Which countries' actions led to the downfall of the League of Nations?

The downfall of the League of Nations began with Japan's invasion of Manchuria and its subsequent withdrawal from the League. This was followed by Germany under Hitler's leadership, which also withdrew after the League objected to its rearmament.

What was the final straw that led to Italy leaving the League of Nations?

The final straw for Italy was its invasion of Ethiopia. Despite the League's objections and the imposition of sanctions by 51 nations, Italy decided to leave the League in 1937.

What was the ultimate fate of the League of Nations?

The League of Nations ultimately failed in its mission to prevent war. After World War II, the victorious Allies decided to dissolve the League and establish a new organization, the United Nations, in its place.

What were some of the reasons for the failure of the League of Nations?

The League of Nations failed for several reasons, including the absence of the United States as a member, the inability to create a consensus among member nations, and the departure of key countries like Germany, Japan, and Italy when their interests were not aligned with the League's objectives.

What lessons can be drawn from the failure of the League of Nations for the United Nations?

The failure of the League of Nations highlights the need for a more inclusive and democratic approach to international relations. It suggests that power should not be concentrated in the hands of a few permanent members and that collective security requires shared responsibility and power.

Outlines

00:00

🕍 The League of Nations: A Failed Attempt at Global Peace

This paragraph introduces the historical context of post-World War I and the establishment of the League of Nations. It discusses the aftermath of the war, the dire state of the world, and the efforts of Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, to propose a global organization aimed at preventing future conflicts. The League of Nations was established through the Treaty of Versailles, but the U.S. Congress's refusal to approve the treaty led to the U.S. not joining the League. Despite this setback, the League began its sessions in Geneva with 41 members, including colonial territories. The League's structure was similar to the later United Nations, with an assembly, council, tribunal, and secretariat. The 1920s saw the League's first significant achievement with the Geneva Protocol, which banned chemical and biological weapons. However, the rise of authoritarian leaders like Adolf Hitler led to the League's decline, starting with Japan's invasion of Manchuria and subsequent withdrawal from the League, followed by Germany and Italy's departures.

05:01

💥 The Collapse of the League and the Birth of the United Nations

This paragraph details the failure of the League of Nations in preventing the aggressions that led to World War II. It highlights the League's inability to enforce its decisions, as seen when Japan, Germany, and Italy ignored its objections and left the organization. The League's ineffectiveness was further exposed when it failed to prevent the invasions of Denmark, Norway, Belgium, and the Netherlands by Nazi Germany. The paragraph describes the League as a powerless entity, unable to act during the war years, leading to its eventual dissolution in 1945. The victorious Allies, after World War II, decided not to revive the League but to create a new organization, the United Nations, to address global issues. The reasons for the League's failure are explored, including the absence of the United States, the inability to create consensus, and the departure of key members with their own agendas. The paragraph concludes with a call for reforms in the United Nations to prevent a similar fate, suggesting a more democratic and shared approach to global security.

Keywords

💡League of Nations

The League of Nations was an international organization founded after World War I with the aim of maintaining world peace. It is a central concept in the video, illustrating the historical attempt to prevent future conflicts through collective security and diplomacy. The script mentions the League's formation following the Treaty of Versailles and its eventual failure due to the withdrawal of key member states like Germany, Japan, and Italy.

💡Woodrow Wilson

Woodrow Wilson was the 28th President of the United States and a key figure in the establishment of the League of Nations. His proposal for a global organization to discuss policies and resolve disputes is highlighted in the script as a radical idea during the Paris Peace Conference. Wilson's disappointment upon the U.S. Congress's refusal to join the League is also depicted, showing his significant role in the organization's inception.

💡Treaty of Versailles

The Treaty of Versailles was the peace treaty signed at the end of World War I, which also led to the creation of the League of Nations. The script refers to the treaty as the legal document that set up the League, but also notes the irony of the United States, one of the Allies, not joining the League due to the U.S. Congress's refusal to ratify the treaty.

💡Colonialism

Colonialism is the policy and practice of acquiring full or partial control over the territory and people of other countries. The script points out the contradiction within the League of Nations where colonialism was prevalent, with countries like India and most of Africa being represented by their colonial rulers. This aspect is significant as it undermines the League's ideals of sovereignty and self-determination.

💡Geneva Protocol

The Geneva Protocol of 1928 is highlighted in the script as a significant achievement of the League of Nations, which banned the use of chemical and biological weapons in warfare. This example shows the League's efforts to establish international norms and laws to prevent the horrors of war.

💡Adolf Hitler

Adolf Hitler, the leader of Nazi Germany, is portrayed in the script as a key figure contributing to the League of Nations' downfall. His disregard for the League's principles, particularly in his decision to re-arm Germany despite objections, led to Germany's withdrawal from the League and set the stage for World War II.

💡Benito Mussolini

Benito Mussolini, the Italian dictator and ally of Hitler, is mentioned in the script for his invasion of Ethiopia. The League's response to this act of aggression, including economic sanctions, is detailed, illustrating the League's attempts to enforce international law and maintain peace.

💡Collective Security

Collective security is a principle where nations collectively protect each other from aggression. The script describes the League of Nations as an embodiment of this principle, with its aim to prevent war through mutual defense and diplomatic efforts. However, the League's inability to prevent aggression by member states like Italy and Germany shows the failure of this concept in practice.

💡United Nations

The United Nations is the successor organization to the League of Nations, established after World War II. The script concludes with the dissolution of the League and the creation of the United Nations, which was intended to address the shortcomings of the League and to continue the pursuit of international peace and security.

💡World War II

World War II is the global conflict that began in 1939 and led to the end of the League of Nations. The script uses the outbreak of this war as a critical point in the League's failure to maintain peace, as member states were invaded and the organization was unable to prevent the escalation of conflict.

Highlights

[Music] Introduction to the post-World War I scenario and the establishment of the League of Nations.

Woodrow Wilson's radical idea for a global organization to prevent future wars.

The Treaty of Versailles and the creation of the League of Nations without U.S. involvement.

The League's first session in Geneva with 41 members, including colonial territories.

The League's structure, including an assembly, council, tribunal, and Secretariat.

The Geneva Protocol of 1928 banning chemical and biological weapons.

The rise of authoritarian leaders and the League's inability to prevent aggression.

Japan's invasion of Manchuria and the League's condemnation.

Hitler's Germany re-arming and the League's ineffective response.

Italy's invasion of Ethiopia and the League's sanctions.

The League's failure to prevent World War II and its dissolution.

The end of the League and the creation of the United Nations in 1945.

Reflection on the League's failure due to lack of U.S. participation and internal dissent.

Comparison between the League of Nations and the United Nations, and the need for reform.

The suggestion for more democracy and shared power in collective security.

[Music] Conclusion and the legacy of the League of Nations.

Transcripts

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for a flashback it's 1919 really bad

times for the world around 20 million

people are dead from the first world war

the economy is bad cities are barely

standing it's looking pretty much

hopeless but life must go on the Allies

had won the first World War that's

America Britain France Russia and Italy

their leaders met up in Paris their job

draw up a peace deal make sure there are

no more wars in the future simple right

well those leaders did give it a shot

especially this man Woodrow Wilson he

was the 28th president of the United

States he proposed a radical idea in

Paris

what if all countries came together to

create a single Global organization

somewhere to talk somewhere to discuss

policies and most importantly somewhere

to complain

I know what you're thinking isn't that

what the United Nations does well yes

but this story is about the organization

that preceded the UN this story is about

the League of Nations

let's catch up with our friends in Paris

most of them agreed to Woodrow Wilson's

idea no war seemed like a good plan so

they signed what is called the Treaty of

Versailles and set up the league

president Wilson was a happy man he

returned home eager to get cracking with

his new toy

just one problem though the U.S Congress

wouldn't let him they refused to approve

the Treaty of Versailles talk about an M

Night Shyamalan twist the league went

ahead without the United States you have

to feel for President Wilson though it's

like that friend who plans the trip to

Goa but his own family says don't go

back to the 20th century again the

League's first session was in November

1920 in Geneva 41 members attended it

India had a membership but India was

still a British colony there

same with most of Africa and it was a

very important contradiction in the

league war was not okay

but colonialism was the league

functioned with four organs an assembly

of member countries a council of

permanent members an international

tribunal and a permanent Secretariat

a lot like the United Nations actually

just the other way around

the 1920s went by without much fuss most

countries were trying to figure out what

the league was how they could use it in

this time one achievement stands out the

Geneva protocol the league banned the

use of chemical and biological weapons

in the year 1928 and it was a big deal

then

the honeymoon period did not last soon a

new crop of leaders emerged more

authoritarian more ruthless and more

belligerent the worst among them this

man Adolf Hitler the League's downfall

began in 1933 two members decided to

quit the group first was Japan Japan

invaded Northeast China which was then

called Manchuria

52 Nations assembled at Geneva have

joined in condemning the horrors

perpetrated by Japan in their war

against China in the bombing of open

towns by Japanese aircraft thousands of

innocent civilians have lost their lives

here the speech of Dr Wellington coo

Chinese delegate to the League of

Nations we'll nullify all the past work

and president effort to organize peace

and the security and through the entire

world into the pandemonium of a general

conflagration with all its horrors of

killing and destruction when the league

objected Japan left that was strike one

strike two was Hitler he had enough of

pacificism

he wanted to re-arm Germany when the

league objected Hitler pulled out strike

two strike three came much later in the

form of Italy its ruler was Hitler's

dictator in arms Benito Mussolini when

Mussolini invaded Ethiopia the league

objected

but in Geneva the League of Nations

assembly decided by an overwhelming

majority in favor of sanctions against

Italy despite fostile appeals by Barona

luisi 51 Nations agreed to bring

economic and financial pressure to bear

on Italy as aggressor in the war in

Africa the league has two main tops

first

War father just can't peaceful

settlement of all disputes you can guess

what happened next Italy quit the year

was 1937. within two years the second

world war broke out and that was

curtains for the league it had one job

to do and it failed one by one its

members were invaded by Hitler's Army

these are the authentic pictures of the

latest Act of criminal aggression by the

German Nation invasion of Denmark

ten months ago Germany offered its

northern neighbor a pact of

non-aggression to last 10 years

living up to its well-known tradition of

broken Faith the reichsten troops by

Landon sea to complete the conquest of

this unoffending neutral in one day this

nation lost its identity in Europe and

became part of Germany but Denmark

decided that surrender was better than

slaughter

Denmark gone Luxembourg gone France

Belgium Norway gone so was the

Netherlands German forces were already

on their way to compete yet one more Act

of aggression against weakened innocent

neutral

it was obviously impossible that an

elaborate Invasion carried out by Landon

sea forces at several points could have

been planned and executed in a few hours

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the league was like an old man confined

to his bed he had the wisdom to help

what he did not have was the power

we can really skim over the next six

years until 1945. that's because the

league did absolutely nothing in this

time virtually zero meetings

it was just dying day by day

cut to September 1945 the war ended it

was a 1919 Deja Vu the Victorious allies

met again they had two options a revived

the old man aka the League of Nations or

B pull the plug the Allies chose option

b they decided the League's time was up

instead they opted to create a new

organization called the United Nations

the story of the League of Nations comes

to an end when at the palace of Geneva

the delegates of Many Lands meet for the

last time

assembled in the Great Hall the members

carry out the final business of the

league which now gives place to a more

powerful organization

among the delegates is Lord Sissel a

champion of Peace since 1920. his words

at this last session of Geneva will be

echoed by the whole world the league is

dead long live the United Nations

looking back why did the league fail

I wish I could give you a single answer

but the fact is it's more complicated

for starters the United States never

joined it

remember the Goa trip example I gave you

if the guy who planned the trip never

made it what will the rest do they have

no itinerary no sense of where to go and

what to do secondly some people in the

group had their own plans perhaps a

different destination or a different

mode of travel

when those plans did not fit in they

just left on a different trip in this

case Germany Japan and Italy so that's

why the league failed it could not

create a consensus or Force obedience

sounds a lot like the U.N doesn't it and

you're not wrong on paper the United

Nations has outlived the League of

Nations also there hasn't been a third

world war quite low standards I know

but the world is still the Wild West

bigger power still invade smaller States

like the US and Iraq or Russia and

Ukraine Rogue neighbors still sabotage

peaceful ones the United Nations has not

been able to solve those problems but a

good start would be reforms more

democracy never hurt anyone if the idea

is collective security then don't limit

powers in the hands of five permanent

members share powers

share responsibility

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