GERMANY AFTER WORLD WAR 1 In order to understand best the birth of the league of all Nations, we have to understand

the Versailles treaty, its implications and particularly how Germany was affected. During the negotiations of the Versailles treaty most historians believe it was not on a level ground. For example, how was Germany articles affected? Were these resolutions articles negotiated or handed over to Germany? GERMANY LOSS OF TERRITORY which country at an international forum can accept loss of its territorial land? View the following: ARTICLES OF SELF DETERMINATION The USA President introduced this article in the Versailles treaty agreement with the sole purpose of: 1) Putting a stop of rivalry by European powers for colonies in Africa, South East Asia. 2) To put a stop to European wars of annexation of land by use of force. 3) The destiny of the people should be determined by the people themselves through peaceful means using democratic principles. Naturally European countries with overseas colonies did not willingly consent to this. In essence it meant carrying out referendums in the colonies they occupied and grant independence to these colonies. The task ahead was a real up hill. However, the European countries welcomed this article to punish Germany for causing the war, and Bismarcks acquisition of lands in Eastern Europe and land from France. This is how Germany suffered. CREATION OF POLAND, LITHUANIA, ESTONIA AND LATIVA Using this article the following countries were created by cutting of parts of Germany: Poland, Lithuania, Estonia and Lativa. POLAND Poland was created by taking land from Germany, Russia, Austria and Hungary. From Germany, West of Prussia, Posen parts of Upper Silesia was given to Poland. The result was Poland created a corridor divided the lands of Germany in the East Prussia. This polish land corridor was necessary to give it access to the sea. This was in line with Wilsons 14 point plan in the Versailles DANZIG This German city was turned into a free city. This meant Germany lost it. It was controlled by the league of all Nations. SAARLAND Saarland (refer to given map) was de militarized. This meant no country could send its forces in this region. It was a buffer zone. In case of aggression this was the land where war would be fought on the land of early detection of movement of soldiers into this region. The truth of the Martians that Rhineland was developed in the Agricultural and industrial industry. Removing from Germany was a stat in the back and Germany would certainly contest the decision. The article stated that Rhineland would be run by the league of all Nations and not controlled. A very weak statement indeed. AL AND LORRAINNE These two lands= productive in both Agricultural, industrial and mineral wealth was removed from Germany and handed over to France. Remember this land used to be under France but taken by Germany by force.

BELGIUM Belgium which had bravely fought the Germans for 14 days was given: Eupen, Movesnet and Malmedy. PREPARATIONS Before signing the Versailles treaty Germany and its allied were to accept full responsibility for causing the war and make good of all the damage and consequences resulting from the said war. This acceptance in essence meant harsh and punitive action on Germany so that in future could not imagine or even think of staring another war. The bombshell was that Germany was to pay in cash, trade or services to the affected countries particularly France and Britain. These payments were known as reparations THE WAR GUILT The Versailles treaty was quite explicit on the Germany position. It planned, executed the World War 1 and there was guilty for causing the war. Its damages and ear crimes. This is in clause 231 and 232 of the treaty. Remember it is this clause that Adolf Hitler used in his book. To call upon those who signed this treaty as traitors of the peoples Nation of larger Germany The clause reads The Allied Governments affirm and Germany accepts the responsibility of Germany and her allies for causing all the loss and damage to which the allied Governments and their Nationals have been subjected as consequence of the war imposed upon them by the aggression of Germany and her allies THE GERMANY REACTION TO THE VERSAILLES TREATY In short the German reaction was Horror Complaints Cry for territorial integrity The Germans reacted with horror to the signing of the Versailles treaty. They were horrified at their leasers accepting a DICTATor DICTATED peace treaty. They felt upset and hopeless. They complained of: a) Territorial losses They complained that they had lost 7,000,000 of its citizens. This was 13.7% of its population and territory. They were particular about the losses to Poland in the East b) Reparations Germans believed that the allies were out to make German a bankrupt state, weak and desperate. c) Disarmament German could not understand as a state how they should not arm themselves. Further still payment of reparations as a clear indication of enslaving Germany for generations. THE NOVEMBER CRIMINALS Those in Government and signed the treaty on behalf of the Germany people were called the November /criminals particularly by Hitler. He openly claimed that German had been stabbed in the back OTHER MINOR TREATIES The other defeated powers were equally punished through other treaties signed at various stages THE TREATY OF ST.GERMAINE 191 (AUSTRIA) 1) The Hapsburg Empire was broken up two countries came up: Austria and Hungary 2) Austria was to give up land including Bohemia and Maravia to create a new state of Czechoslovakian 3) Bosnia and Herzegovina formed a new state called Yugoslavia 4) Austria was to reduce her armed formed and pay reparations just like Germany 5) Calicia was given to new Poland

HUNGARY The treaty of in 1920 Terms of the treaty Hungary for its participation in the war was to pay reparations and reduce her armed forces. Hungary was to have territorial loss translivania was to go to Romania, Lithuania and Slovakia to new Czechoslovakia WEAKNESS OF THESE TREATIES GERMANY In 1922 German paid symbolic small amounts of money then asked two years delay. In 1923 the allies refused to? Germany request, instead French forces invaded and occupied the Ruhr industrial complex (coal, steal industries) Germans became jobless as the French occupied these regions taking land, industries and jobs The Germans reasoned: France was keeping an army of occupation on its productive land, yet German was not allowed to arm itself. Why? When Hitler took power he promised to reverse the Versailles treaty. MAJOR WEAKNESS OF THE TREATIES The lack of collective military might to confront dissident Checks and balances

THE LEAGUE OF ALL NATIONS INTRODUCTION ORIGIN - After World War 1 and the signing of the Versailles treaty at the mirror there was an article which made it possible to create the league of all Nations The league of all Nations was formed especially from member states that had experienced war and were determined to solve any future conflicts by peaceful means. The rules of the league were called the covenant-meaning a strong promise that cannot be broken. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The aims and objectives of the league of all Nations were to: Achieve international peace Encourage member states to solve any conflict by peaceful means and not war The league of all Nations where necessary and when necessary member states that do not go by the leagues decisions. Reduce manufacture of arms and reduce the existing arms within member states To improve on the working conditions employed within member states Member states be encouraged to do the following collectively Fight disease Reduce ad end slavery Form organizations within the league to over see the above e.g. WHO-World Health Organization FAO-Food and Agricultural Organization Finally it is important to look at and understand article 10 of the League of Nations it reads The members of the league undertake to preserve against external aggression, the territory and existing independence of all members of the league, the covenant shall advise upon the means by which this obligation shall be fulfilled The article falls short of mentioning use of force to achieve necessary peace or against aggressions. This article ties German hands to reclaim land given to other states or creation of new states.

THE ORGANISATION OF THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS The league had the following organizations: The assembly The council The secretariat The court of international justice agencies and commissions The composition and functions of the organs THE ASSEMBLY COMPOSITION It contained members from member states called representatives. Each member state had one vote. At the beginning there were 42 member states. By 1926 the member states had reached 54. German was admitted as a member state. The assembly met annually Member states were regarded equal before the eyes of the assembly FUNCTIONS Fixed the leagues budget It discussed and recommended action to be taken to the council It would elect non-permanent members to the council It decided on general policies e.g. proposals to revised peace treaties All member states decisions were to be unanimous THE COUNCIL COMPOSITION It was made up of 4Great powers They were: Britain France Japan Italy THE ORGANS OF THE LEAGUE THE SECRETARIAT COMPOSITION 1) The secretariat consisted of a secretary general. The first secretary general was ERIC DRUMMOND of Britain 2) The secretariat had a civil service working under the secretary general from the member states 3) Its headquarters were in GENEVA in Switzerland FUNCTIONS 1. 2. 3. 4. Looked after the paper work of the league Prepared agenda as Wrote reports for carrying out the decisions of the league Wrote resolutions passed by the league

5. 6. 7.

make sure that the administration work of the league was carried out officially Kept records of all treaties Translated documents

THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE It was based and is still based in Hague-Netherlands from 1920.remembers the perpetrators of Kenyas post election (2007) violence are to appear before this same court to answer charges of impunity, murder of large members of people etc The court consisted of 15 judges from different nationalities FUNCTIONS It dealt with legal activities To advice the council on judicial matters Dealt with legal disputes between countries at the request of those countries affected AGENCIES AND COMMISSIONS The league had a member of agencies and commissions to deal with specific problems. FUNCTIONS OF MANDATED COMMISSIONS Keep a watchful eye on good governance of territories removed from Germany e.g. Namibia. Tanganyika, in Africa and those in Europe e.g. the Rhineland MINORITY COMMUNITIES The league protected the right of minority groups against ill treatment by the majority. DISAMAMENT COMMISSION: it was a permanent advisory organ to the league. OTHER COMMITTES Other committees included: I.L.O- International Labor Organization Kenya through C.O.T.U meaning Central Organization of Trade Unions is a member. Vibrant general It strives to Improve on wages of workers Improve working conditions Pensions for retirees States have trade unions METHODS THE LEAGUE COULD USE TO ENFORCE THE DECISION OF THE COUNCIL 1) The league could condemn a country and express disappointment of its actions 2) It could impose economic sanctions upon a country. In other words, it could cut off supplies of raw materials and other goods. 3) Use of force SOURCES OF WEAKNESSES OF THE LEAGUE The league had several weaknesses. MEMBERSHIP The membership of 42 members was small even though the number rose to 54 by 1926. Some countries did not join e.g. U.S.A USA

The United States of America President Wood row Wilson expected USA to join the League of Nations but many Americans hated the idea. The USA congress voted against the proposal. The absence of USA made the league lose support from powerful nations The USA traditionally thieved on isolation. Americans believed that America should not get involved in international politics Americans were tired of the war and suspicious of Western nations moves /e.g. France, Britain, Italy etc FRANCE AND BRITAIN BRITAIN; Britain viewed the league as a talking shop, and less formal organization The British had no wish in getting involved easily in military conflicts anywhere in the world. Britain felt German had been punished too heavily by the Versailles treaty agreement, FRANCE The French wanted to turn the league into a military alliance with strict obligations of members to support one another. The French wanted a strong league to defend itself against Germany. In conclusion Britain and France differed in all matters and rarely worked together. RUSSIA Russia was not allowed to join the league in 1919 because: COMMUTEEN: Russian leaders had formed an organization called communteen. Its purpose was to encourage communist revolution all over the world. This was contrary to the League of Nations Charter. Russia was however, allowed to join in 1934. THE CENTRAL POWERS The central powers included Germany., Austria, Bulgaria and Turkey. The absence of the above nations that had fought together saw the League of Nations as a club of enemies These countries were not allowed to join as punishment for their starting and participation in World War 1. EUROPEAN CLUB The non-Europeans Nations viewed the League of Nations as a club to give Britain, France and Italy dominance in its charter. Argentina wanted a democratic league. The council rejected this by the members of assembly JAPAN Japan wanted the league to reject racial discrimination and oppose it in totality. The Americans and the British rejected this proposal PEOPLE IN COLONIES The league had nothing for countries still under colonial rule. The league did not look at these people as being able to govern themselves e.g. India, Pakistan, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, etc these people were considered as not yet civilized.

LACK OF MILITARY POWER The league had no armed forces with which to enforce its decisions. It had little chance of raising an army without powerful countries like the USA, Britain and France could not raise the troops UNANIMOUS DECISIONS Decision in the council and in the assembly was to be unanimous. This made it difficult to enforce decisions because it took too long a time to reach a decision. Sometimes it took up to six months ECONOMIC SANCTIONS Economic sanctions were difficult to enforce because they weir harmful to the countries imposing the sanctions. DISAMAMENT The league was committed to disarmament. The covenant said that all members of the league should disarm but the pro SOURCES OF STRENTH OF THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS The league had its sources of strength from the following: Covenant Membership Aims and objectives Sanctions The big four permanent members

COVENANT a) The main source of the strength of the League of Nations was in its charter or covenant. The covenant gave the league the power to understand the work of preserving peace by protecting all independence member states (countries) against aggression. b) In case of threat or danger, the council of the league an advice upon the means of stopping aggression. c) The covenant also gave the league the power to condemn a country and express disappointment to its act d) The covenant also gave the league the power to impose economic sanctions upon a country which disobeys its decisions. e) It gave the league the power to use military force to enforce its decisions. MEMBERSHIIP The league membership meat that most countries were guided by the covenant and hence les wars. In total 42 countries did not join the league in 1922 and the number rose to 54 countries in 1926. AIMS OF THE LEAGUE The league was widely supported and members did generally want to co-operate and avoid another war. SANCTIONS The league could impose damaging sanctions (economic) on aggressive Nations

THE BIG FOUR Theoretically the presence of the big four or permanent members was to be the source of strength. SOURCESS OF THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS In the 1920s the League of Nations had a mixed fortune. However, there were distinct areas of success. Examples The leagues refugee committee Health organizations International labour organization Disarmament commission Washington Naval Conference] Aaland Island Upper Silesia Greek Bulgarian War 1925 Greek and Turkey war 1920-22 Russo-polish war 1920-22 The ruler invasion by France 1923 Vilna city -1920 Occupation of Corfu Island by Italy 1923 THE LEAGUES REFUGEE COMMITTEE This committee was led by a Norwegian, he was an explorer. His name was Fridjtof Nonses. Fridjtof was a hard working man. He raised money and transport and for refugees. He designed simple habitable houses for refugees. He provided medical aid to these refugees. Between April 1920-22 he helped over 425,000 prisoners of war to return to their homes. He also found homes for 600,000 Greek refugees fleeing from Turkey. HEALTH ORGANISATION It was effective. It organized educational campaigns, distributed medicine, trained health officers and set up clinics for children. In 1930s it took and ran public health clinics in China. ] SLAVERY WOMEN AND CHILDREN The league persuaded member stated to reorganized that slavery and slave trade wrong e.g. about 200,000 slaves were freed in Sierra Leone The league also reduced the trade of women from sexual abuse and children INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATIOND The international labour organization (I.L.O) was the most successful of the leagues agencies. It made member states to agree to Reduction of working hours The right of workers to join a trade union Minimum age for one to be employed -15 years. THE DISARMAMENT COMMISSION (WASHINGTON NAVAL CONFRENCE) The commission organized the Washington Naval conference of 1921. At this conference Britain agreed that other countries could develop large navies of their own, provided the navy of Britain was still the largest overall. However, the Naval power agreed to exclude the number of warships. TERRITORIAL DISPUTES (The Aaland Island 1920)

This Island belonged to Finland but was claimed by Sweden. Most islanders wanted to be ruled by Sweden. The two countries referred the dispute to the league, which decided that Finland should rule the Islands. The Islands way of life was Swedish and should be maintained. Both countries accepted the leagues verdict. THE GREEK BULGARIAN WAR 1925 The Greeks and Bulgaria went to boarder wear in 1925. The Greek army invaded Bulgaria which appealed to the league. The league couvial decided and made the following ruling: Ordered for a cease fire and hostilities. Withdrawal of forces from the common boarder. Threatened sanctions against Greeks for reluctance to obey The league inquired extensively and found the Greeks at fault, Greek was fined Both sided were in agreement with the leagues findings, ended hostilities and obeyed all resolutions UPPER SILESIA Upper Silesia according to the Versailles treaty was given to Poland. A dispute arose between Poland and Germany over its ownership. The disputed was referred to the league. Decisions were reached that people should vote under a plebiscite and decide which country they preferred to belong. In the vote taken in March 1921 700,000 voted in favour of joining Germany and 480,000 to remain in Poland. The league decided to share the area .German received more than half the land and population. The poles received most of the industries. This caused bitterness in Germany but both countries accepted the verdict. FAILURES OF THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS Initially the league in its infancy showed healthy signs of survival but first signs of failures started to emerge at the beginning of 1920s. There were two wars that were fought and were indicative of the future of the league.

GREEK AND TURKEY AT WAR 1920-22 The treaty of Versailles in 1920 had given most of Turkeys land to Greece. The Turkish Nationals led by MUSTAFA KAMAL over threw their sultan for signing the treaty. Greek decided to invade Turkey in order to over throw the new government which was determined to overthrow the treaty. The Turkish army defeated the Greeks. The league was either unable to either prevent or halt this war because Britain supported Greece and France Turkey. RUSSO-POISH WAR 1920-22 Poland was not happy with her boarders after the Versailles treaty of 1919. In 1920 Poland crossed the Cerzon line and seized the White Russia and Ukraine. The league was unable to prevent the war as one was a member and a non member. The big powers of Britain and France supported Poland. INVASION OF THE RUHUR 1923

The league was unable to prevent France and Belgium from invading the Rhur after Germany failed to pay reparation installments. In all France did not consult the league member states. VILNA CITY 1920 Poland and Lithuania stared quarreling over the city which had a mixed population of Jews and poles Lithuania had been created during the peace settlement of 1919 and awarded the city of VILNA as its capital city. Poland objected and her army invaded and seized the city. The league asked the poles to withdraw to allow the people of the city to vote for their future. Poland refused. The conference of ambassadors awarded the city to the poles. The league had been ignored and by passed. This was one of the first major failures of the league of all Nations. THE CORFU -1923 In August 1923 five Italian surveyors who were working for the League of Nations in mapping out the boarder between Greece and Italy were murder on the Greek side of the boarder. Mussolini the new Italian dictator demanded for compensation from the Greek Government. The Greek Government refused. Mussolini then bombarded and occupies the Greek Island of Corfu. The council of the league wanted to condemn Italys aggression but France and Britain did not want to upset Mussolini and would not permit it. Mussolini claimed the league had no right to intervene and said the issue should be decided by the conference of ambassadors. The league handed the mater to the league of Ambassadors which ordered Mussolini to leave Corfu-but made the Greeks to pay Italy compensation. THE CONFERENCE OF AMBASSADORS The conference of ambassadors was made up of: `Britain Italy Japan France AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE CONFERENCE OF AMBASSADORS It aimed at the following: 1) Ensure that term of peace treaties were kept 2) It met regularly 3) It was used by powerful countries to settle disputes 4) It met at regular intervals and then resulted into confusion of responsibility 5) Its work made the league to look weak and powerless 6) Some disputes were solved by the conference of ambassadors e.g. Poland OTHER INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT Although the league had failed to reduce armaments, some progress was made in creating a more powerful world. This was achieved through a series of international treaties. E.g. The Locaino treaty the Kellog-Briad Pact

THE LOCARNO TREATY 1925 Locarno is a city in Switzerland. In 1925 after the failure by France to occupy the German Ruhr Industrial complex, France looked for compromise with Germany. The compromise was found when a major conference took place at Locarno in Switzerland in 1925 The key players were: Foreign minister of France Aristicle Briad Foreign minister of Britain- Austin Chamberlain Foreign minister of Germany- Gustar Stressman The talks produced treaties which were greeted by wild cheers to the world. It was seen as the end to bitterness between France abd France.

TERMS OF THE LUCARNO TREATY Germany .France and Belgium accepted to agree with their boarders as set up t in the Versailles treaty of 1919. Britain and Italy accepted to guarantee the agreement. This meant that Britain and Italy collectively would take a unilateral action if any of the three Germany, France, and Belgium attacked one another providing for arbitration over possible dispute. German signed an agreed to join the League of Nations. THE KELLOG-BRIAND AGREEMENT 1928 In 1927 the League of Nations assembly adopted a resolution which prohibited the war of aggression this resolution gave Europe a hope of peace between 1925-29 According to the pact all the signatories: Renounced war as an instrument of solving disputed and an instrument of peace All the 46 countries were to be signatories to this pact Russia was a signatory to the pact even though it was not a member All signatories agreed to keep peace in Europe All signatories agreed to renounce war with an exception of war of self defense CONCLUTION; however, dispute this loophole the treaty was an important effort to further strengthen international peace and work of the league. This is what was termed as collective security. APPEASEMENT POLICY This is an important period when Neville chamberlain became the prime minister of Britain in 1937. APPEASEMENT Appeasement meant negotiating with Hitler. If necessary give him all he needs as ling as there is no war. This policy was so controversial that it caused much disagreement.

Some politicians believe it was the best policy as per situation at threat time Others believe it was the worst policy it brought World War 2 to reality and disaster that followed there after. SUPPORTERS OF APPEASEMENT POLICY IN SUPPORT OF HITLER Majority of Britons supported Hitler They believed the Versailles treaty was unfair to Germany They supported Hitlers policies which had brought industry back on its feet Creating employment and stability in Germany Germany was getting back what was rightly hers

With communism looming, the British people believed an economically, politically stable Germany would check the spread of this brand of politics During this period, Britain was economically and militarily weak (1930-39) it had not recovered from wig effects and the responsibilities. Over her vast colonies. In Britain the General publics were not prepared for another war. In 1938 the British Prime Minister was told Britain was not ready for war of any sort. Chamberlain (P.M) believed Hitler could be appeased and trusted by giving way to his demands. He could be satisfied. AGAINST APPEASEMENT 1. Appeasement showed European weakness to Hitler, this made him more confident, stronger, have a larger following. This is what enabled to be one of the strongest countries in Europe when the war broke. 2. The policy was wrong. It demonstrated the weakness, the biasness in the Versailles treaty. This gave Hitler reasons to be bold and even break more international treaties. 3. Britain and France having been the key architects of the Versailles treaty should not have been the first ones to allow Hitler to break the first ones to allow Hitler to break international treaties and take land from Czechoslovakia, 1938 Saarland 1935 and the Rhineland 1936 4. Chamberlain was unable to judge the aims and objects of Hitler. He trusted a man who should never have been trusted from the onset. 5. Chamberlain caused harm to Europe. He realized too late Adolf Hitler knew no peace, would never be peaceful no matter the cost. 6. Appeasement never stopped world war 2 Hitler could have been contained right from the onset. THE GREAT DEPRESSION AND COLLECTIVE SECURITY European was gripped into extreme anxiety when the following happened the great depression of cot 24th 1929 aggression rise of dictators failures of disarmament conference isolation of USA European faced a major problem. In 1929 international co-operation collapsed and the idea of collective security became a myth ; REASONS ]

Ist ten years 1919-1929 International security and co-operation and security did not end by 1936. The ten years that followed 1929-1939 saw increased tension, rivalry and aggression. These factors contributed to the collapse of international co-operation and security in 1930s BASIC FACTORS THE GREAT DEPRESSION On the 23rd October 1929 was fateful and fearful year and day in history. This war the day the war street in USA crashed. The value of shares on New York stock exchange market collapsed. People tried frantically to sell their shares before the prices fell even further. After the crash there was a world wide economic crisis. The government turned to protectionism. They imposed high import taxes to protect their own home industries. This resolved to further decline of world trade wide spread unemployment, closure of banks and factories. (Read further notes and hand outs given) AGGRESSION The result of the great depression was aggression. The leaders of Japan, Italy and Germany tried to improve economic conditions at home by being aggressive (attack) on other countries. They went further to annex land from other countries Examples: Japan-Manchuria China Germany-Saar, Austria, Czechoslakia and Poland Italy- Abyssinia _Ethiopia THE RISE OF DICTATORS Many governments, especially democratic ones had rebellions. People were totally dissatisfied with the harsh economic times, poverty level, long working hours, low wages, lack of food and deaths. This gave rise to political partied which promised sugar and honey and big followings use of force was common. This gave birth to an era of dictators being elected or forcing themselves into government Examples: German-Adolf Hitler Japan-Emperor PUYI Italy-Mussolini FAILURES OF DISARMAMENT CONFERENCE The disarmament conference in 1923-33 tried desperately to being together all the 60 member states of the league to chart ways of these countries could use to limit escalation of massive armament and reduce on manufacture of arms. German demanded that Britain, France and other nations lead the way. Britain, France and Germany refused. This led Germany to withdraw from the; league and embarked on massive built up of weapons and other war materials. ISOLATION OF USA

United States having got involved in a European world war 1 was a loof and did not want to be drawn in European conflicts The absence of USA encouraged powerful European nations to act unilaterally especially Germany THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS MAJOR FAILURES; THE MANCHURIAN CRISIS 1913-1933 The Japanese army in September 1931 stage managed an explosion in Man . Japan was under emperor PUYAI a puppet ruler; For this explosion Japan blamed China from a war of words to aggression. Japan invades China and annexed Manchuria and renamed it Manchukuo. WHY DID JAPAN INVADE MANCHURIA Manchuria a Chinese land was rich in coal, rubber, iron ore and oil. Japan had been hit very hard by the collapse of the New York stock exchange to be assured of new materials Japan stage managed a reason for invading Manchuria. Manchuria would also be a good market for Japanese goods China was militarily weak and divided Manchuria was to act as a buffer zone state against the Russian communism (USSR) Japan needed more land to settle its growing large population of 70 million It was a national pride LEAGUE PF NATIONS REACTION 1) 2) 3) Condemned Japan for its action and ordered her to withdraw from Manchuria The league appointed a commission of inquiry The commission invited Japan and hand over Manchuria to China

JAPANS RESPONSE 1) 2) Japan did not oblige. It kept Manchuria and left the League of Nations Japan went on the offensive and gained more land from China.

WHY DID THE LEAGUE FAIL 1) The league members understood Japans problem of having been affected by the economic depression 2) Britain, France feared that attacking Japan would effectively drive them to the dictators side tilting the balance of power. 3) Britain feared that Japan would take advantage of any such attack to stir trouble and occupy British colonies in the Far East 4) America was not bothered. It continued to increase its volume of trade with Japan. RESULTS 1) 2) 3) Demonstrated the weakness of the league of all nations Japans action encouraged Italy and Germany to be aggressive for aggression boldness pays. Japan withdrew from the league and moved closer to dictators like Mussolini and Hitler.

THE ABBYSSINIAN CRISIS THE ITALIAN INVASION OF ETHIOPIA The reasons why Italy invaded Ethiopia were as follows REVENGE; in the 19th century Italy tried to conquer the African state of Abyssinia (Ethiopia) but failed. In 1896 Italian forces were defeated at the battle of Adowa by Emperor Haille Sellassia. This was a big embarrassment to a great nation like Italy. THE GREAT DEPRRESSION; by early 1930s the Italians were suffering from the effects of depression. There was widespread depression, unemployment and poverty. Faced with this problem and home discontentment, Mussolini wants to distract peoples mind away from home problems. THE STRESSA FRONT; Mussolini had not gained much or was not rewarded for Italys participation in World War 1. Therefore, Mussolini did not expect France and Britain to raise any objection to this invasion. Italy already had some colonies in North Africa, Somaliland and Eritrea The allied powers had not or had failed to fulfill their promise to compensate Italy for its participation in World War 1 THE LEAGUES ACTION 1) The league offered for negotiations between Ethiopia and Italy but Italy refused. 2) The league condemned the Italian invasion. 3) The league imposes economic sanctions on Italy. The economic sanctions did not include oil, coal, and iron 4) Non league members particularly USA and Germany boosted trade with Italy

THE HOANE-NAVAL PACT The Hoane-naval pact was drawn by Samuel Laval- Britain and Rhine Laval of France The terms of the pact was as follows Large areas of Abyssinia to be given to Mussolini in return of the withdrawal Abyssinia to be reduced into half its original size Britain refused to accept this plan and it was abandoned THE LEAGUE HAD FAILED WHY? 1) France and Britain remained neutral .they were not willing to support the league neither were they willing to impose economic sanctions against Mussolini. 2) Britain and France were not willing to go to war with Italy over Ethiopia 3) Britain and France saw Italy as an important ally not to be lost. RESULTS

1) the most diver stating result of the Abyssinia crisis was that many countries lost faith in the league 2) Many countries especially France and Britain started to re-arm. Contrary to the leagues covenant on re armament. The policy of collective security and responsibility collapsed. 3) France and Britains failure to support Mussolini 100 % made him move closer to Hitler. They then signed the Rome-Berlin Axis 4) Hitler was excited and had proved that aggression works as a tool to achieve your objective. WHY DID THE LEAGUE FAIL IN 1930 S? 1) The league was weak and ineffective because important and powerful nations were absent. These areUSA, Germany, USSR, Japan, and Italy 2) Sanctions as tool to effectively shape the leagues policy had failed miserably. USA, Germany etc continues to trade effectively with aggressors. 3) The league did not have a military force so unable to enforce its resolutions effectively. 4) Many countries put personal interests first and not the leagues interests, 5) Mussolinis quote on the league the league is alright when sparrows quarrel. It fails when eagles fall out

THE DISARMAMENT CONFERENCE 1932-33 1) The 1932-33 conference a big rift was seen between European Nations on disarmament 2) France and Britain refused to disarm. 3) German was willing to disarm on condition that Britain and France do so completely. 4) Germany so the French/British behavior as not being honest. Hitler withdrew from the league. 5) Germany averted that the failure of the league to accomplish its aims and objectives lies at the door steps of France and Britain. THE ROAD TO WORLD WAR 11 1939-1945 APPEASEMENT POLICY 1935-1939 WHO WAS THIS MAN ADOLF HITLER? Adolf Hitler was born in the village of in Austria in 1889.At the age of 17 he was orphaned. He sought and got a job as a casual labourer. He taught himself the art of painting and architectural work. After his parents death, he was brought up by a step father who seldom beat him. Hitler moved to Munich and joined the Germany army in 1917. He fought in the First World War and was awarded the iron cross of bravely medal. He refused to accept that Germany had lost the war and blamed it squarely on the new Weimer Republic for Germany defeat and the signing of the Versailles treaty in 1919. In 1919 Hitler joined the German workers party and became its leader. He changed its name to National. He was imprisoned in 1923 and wrote his ideas in his book Mein Kampf (My Struggle) which contained his odd ideas.

ADOLF HITLERS IDEAS He believed the white man was a super race in the world but the ARGAN race to which he belonged was a MASTER race in the world. He believed the Nordic (North European) race: blue eyes and blond hair are more superior to other whites who have dark hair, dark eyed or brown eyed. The Mediterranean race and other races were inferior. They include Jewish Roma Blacks Asians Sinti (Gypsies)

3 Hitler believed other races were inferior and had no right to live. To make his Dreams true him: Sterilized all disabled persons Sterilized all criminals Murdered mentally handicapped people 4 Hitler believed Germanic speaking people blond haired and blue eyed should unite under ONE superior nation. In this case Austria his motherland should be part of Germany. (Arschluss) HITLER FIRES HIS ENGINES (EUROPE IS ALARMED) In 1933 Hitler became the chancellor of Germany. His policies assured a series of ribbles and crisis in Europe. This led to World War 11 He reversed the Versailles treaty of 1919 Forged unity of all Germany speaking people He formed the Anchullus (Union of Germany and Austria) REVERSAL OF THE VERSAILLES TREATY Hitler stated to reverse all sections of the Versailles covenant that was against Germany. To show his displeasure with the Versailles treaty of 1919 Hitler withdrew from the league in 1933. In 19333 because of French and British behavior on disarmament conference of 1932-33. Hitler embarked on full scale armament of Germany in all aspects land, air, navy, industries etc. This was the progress: German had 100,000 but increased to 300,000 A new air ministry was to train pilots and raise the number of aircraft to 1000 planes In 1935 infantry (foot soldiers) increased from 300,000 to 500,000 men The navy built 4 big ships and sub marines were increased to 54 THE UNITY OF GERMAN SPEAKING PEOPLE (IMPLICATIONS) Over turning the Versailles treaty Weakening the League of Nations

Creating a bigger, stronger, aggressive Germany.

SAARLAND 1935 (APPEASEMENT) In 1935 Germany requested the league to hold a referendum (plebiscite) on the Saars states. Hitler had left the league in 1933. The leagues obliged. The results were 90% voted to join the union with Germany. This contravened the leagues covenant on soveignity of states. Hitler got his way. RE-OCCUPATION OF RHINELANDS (APPEASEMENT 2) In 1936 Hitler ordered his troops into the Rhineland, but advised them to withdraw when faced with resistance from the French. Fortunately the French didnt offer any. German requested for a referendum (plebiscite) the results were 98% for union with Germany. Hitler had got his way. THE ANSCHLUSS OR UNION WITH AUSTRIA 1938 Hitler was obsessed with the idea of having a union with Austria. Reasons: He was born in Austria Austria+ Germany speak same language Austria was weak and had been reduced in size by the treaty of Germaine; Austria was facing hard economic times. Ambition for greater Germany A strong Nazi Party existed in Austria THE ANSCHULUSS (UNION) Hitler had as far back as 1934 tried to size power in Austria using the Nazi Party but failed. The Austrian chancellor DOLLFUS outlawed the Nazi party because it was causing disturbance in his country. In July 1934 the Nazi party operation assassinated Dollfus The new Austrian chancellor was called SCHUSCHNIGG visited Hitler for a compromise, but the two disagreed. When he Schuchnigg went back to Austria, he made more resistance and disturbances caused by NAZI operations. Hitler ordered German troops into Austria to go and restore law and order. He orders Schschnigg to resign. Schschnigg was replaced by a strong Nazi operative and its leader in Austria-Seys-Inquart. Two days later Austria was made a province of Germany, a month later a referendum was held 99% favored union with Germany. Hitler had his way REVIEW OF THESE MOVES The league between 1935-6 was seen as weak and especially in its failures in Manchuria and Abysinnia. Hitler EXPLOITED to the maximum the British sympathy and tolerance to Germans cause especially British guilt on the Versailles treaty. The French were militarily weak and great disunity at the home front

British general public supported German unification and so no cause for war. Britain and France were pre-occupied with the Abyssinian crisis to pay much attention to German moves in Austria. THE SUDEIENLAND CRISIS OF 1938 After the Anchluss, Hitler turned his attention to Czechoslovakia and Sudetenland. The people of Sudetenland were mainly German speakers but given to Czechoslovakia in 1920 by the Versailles treaty.Czechoslavakia was greatly affected by the 1929 depression. The situation was so bad that: Sudetenland resented Czechs control A Nazi leader and operative in Sudetenland a Mr. Konrod Henlein demanded to join Germany THE CRISIS Hitler instructed Henlein to demand separation from Czechs He staged organized protests in the streets Hitler used this crisis as an excuse for a military take over. He ordered his military to smash Czechoslovakia The Czechs knew they were weak and the surrender of Sudetenland would expose their Vulnerability their defenses against Germany were in this area .The Czechs had an alliance with the French and hoped France would come to their support Chamberlain the British Prime minister did not want war over Sudetenland. He made Hitler on two occasions. He l\flew to Germany trying to avert the crisis. On 5th September 1938 chamberlain met Hitler at Berch Hitler insisted that he would risk war to bring back Sudetenland back to Germany. Germany adamance made chamberlain to concede the following Only areas where the population was half German would revert to Germany. On 22nd September he met Hitler again at and demanded that the occupation he made by 28th September In the light of the above Britain and France agreed to prepare for war against Germany THE MUNICH CONFERENCE Chamberlain knew Europe was on the blink of another war. He turned to Mussolini and requested him to convince Hitler to agree on an international conference. Hitler agreed and postponed his planned invasion of Czechoslovakia. At the Munich the following leaders were present: Chamberlain - Britain Mussolini - Italy France Hitler - Germany Czechoslovakia and USSR were not invited. TERMS OF AGREEMENT Czechoslovakias boarders would be guaranteed by the four powers. Sudetenland would revert to Germany

After this conference Hitler and chamberlain met separately and agreed on the Anglo Germany declaration. The two countries promised never to go to war with each other. RESULTS Europe at least for now had been saved from war. Britain and France gained time to build up their armed forces so did Germany Czechoslovakia had been deserted by her faithful allies. She lost her vital resources Hitler bragged openly that it was most unlikely Britain and France would be willing to oppose him by force. Hitler after gaining Sudetenland turned his attention to Czechoslovakia he wanted it all. Stalin was upset. He believed Czechoslovakia had been sold out to Germany. He strongly believed that France and Britain would stand back and see Poland and USSR attacked by Germany. HITLER DESTROYS CZECHOSLAVAKIA WHY? A free and hostile Czechoslovakia would make it impossible to have Germany fight a war in the West. Hitler believed an attack on Germany from USSR (Russia) would come through Czechoslovakia. The earlier it is secured the Hitler Hitler hated Czechs racially. They were hated and not worth even being Germans. Czechoslovakia wealth would be good for Germany. DESTRUCTION Czechoslovakia ceased to exist when in March 1939 Hitler took over the remained of Germany. He ordered his armies to occupy Bohemia and Moravia the two remaining parts of Russia that had been protected by the Munich agreement. Czechoslakia ceased to exist. RESULTS I. France and Britain ended their appeasement policy immediately and prepared for full scale war. II. Hitler beyond any reasonable doubt he had proved that he could not be trusted. III. Chamberlain was furious, humiliated and felt betrayed by Hitler IV. Germanys hard line stand that it was bring Germany speaking people under one umbrella had been proved to be a hoax. He now was occupying a Slav speaking territory. THE SOVIET-NAZI PACT OF AUGUST 1939 Hitler now looked forward to acquire Poland. He thought the key to this take over this land was USSR. He had a pact with Britain no why not Russia? Geographically the USSR lies just to East of Poland Hitler was determined to avoid war on two fronts-East and Western Front Britain was determined along side France to bring Stalin (USSR) under a unified command against Hitler. Stalin wanted to buy time by avoiding war, building his army. Hitler chose USSR because they could share Poland TERMS OF THE PACT

 The two countries would not attack each other USSR (Stalin) would not object to the occupation of Poland by Germans Secretly they had this agreement: Germany invades Poland after its defeat it is shared with USSR USSR would regain polish land lost during the 1921 Versailles treaty POLAND UNDER ATTACK Hitler demanded that Poland hands over DANZIG and the Polish Corridor that allowed Poland access to the sea back to Germany. Hitler made another pact-The Pact of steel with Mussolini where in the event of war Germans and Italy would fight along side Hitler was convinced Britain and France would not fight over Poland. France would not fight over Poland. German generals were ordered to attack Poland on 1st September 1939. On 3rd September 1939 enough was enough Britain and France declared war on Germany at 11 am. They had sent an ultimatum to Hitler in the morning but no reply came. The Second World War had begun. Main reason Brittan and France had guaranteed Poland its safety and support.