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Failure of the League of Nations in the 1930s - Coggle Diagram

- - - - Japan faced economic challenges during the Great Depression, including declining exports and food shortages. The military gained significant influence within the government, advocating for rearmament as a solution to economic woes and a means of securing resources through expansion. Japan's military buildup and aggressive foreign policy, exemplified by the invasion of Manchuria, were driven by the desire for economic self-sufficiency and national security.
      - In Italy, the Great Depression exacerbated economic difficulties, leading to high unemployment and social instability. Mussolini's regime responded by increasing military spending and pursuing aggressive foreign policies, including rearmament, as a means to promote national unity, assert Italy's status as a great power, and stimulate the economy. This militarisation was part of Mussolini's broader goal of establishing a new Roman Empire.
      - Britain and France: Both countries faced economic difficulties during the Great Depression, which initially delayed military spending. However, as the threat from Nazi Germany and fascist Italy grew, Britain and France began to increase their rearmament efforts in the late 1930s. Additionally, they had no interest in adding to unemployment by reducing the size of the military
      - Germany: The economic turmoil of the Great Depression led to widespread unemployment and social unrest in Germany. Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party used this crisis to gain support by promising to revive the economy through extensive rearmament and military expansion. The rearmament program not only aimed to restore national pride and military capability but also provided jobs and stimulated industrial growth, thus helping to alleviate some of the economic suffering caused by the Depression.
    - - Italy sought to establish a market for its goods in Abyssinia, creating economic ties that would benefit Italian industries. This expansion was also seen as a way to alleviate the economic pressures caused by the Depression which had caused exports to decline
      - Italy sought to expand its agricultural base through the annexation of Abyssinia. The fertile highlands and other arable land could be used to cultivate crops to feed the Italian population and support its military.
        Italy was suffering due to its outdated farming industry and so Italy had to import lots of food. The depression made this more expensive
    - - Japan faced resource scarcity, particularly in essential materials like coal, iron, and oil. Tarrifs were imposed which meant that importing became more expensive after the depression Manchuria was rich in natural resources, making it an attractive target for expansion to secure these vital commodities.
      - Japan faced challenges in domestic food production due to limited arable land and the need to feed a rapidly growing population. As the economic downturn impacted Japanese exports, it had less money to import food from abroad. This scarcity made the acquisition of fertile land in Manchuria an attractive proposition to ensure food supply.
      - The Great Depression severely affected Japan’s economy, leading to high unemployment and social unrest. Expansion into Manchuria was viewed as a solution to economic troubles by creating new markets for Japanese goods and stimulating economic growth.
      - In the 1920s, Japan's industrial sector experienced rapid growth, leading to increased demand for raw materials. Controlling Manchuria would provide access to resources and markets necessary for sustaining and expanding Japan’s industrial base which was suffering after the depression as exports declined.
- - - - Without the USA, the League struggled to impose economic sanctions or take decisive military action against Japan, undermining its ability to uphold collective security. This lack of American involvement contributed to the perception that the League was powerless, emboldening Japan to continue its expansionist policies.
      - Without the USSR, the League's ability to present a united front against Japanese aggression was reduced. As a significant military power in the region, the USSR could have provided crucial support
      - Japan simply left, making any league decisions on its actions seem pointless.
      - USA is main trade partner of Japan so sanctions are meaningless
    - - Without American political and economic backing, the League's sanctions against Italy were ineffective, allowing Mussolini to pursue his imperial ambitions with little fear of repercussions.
      - America was selling a lot of oil to Italy and was worried about the impact that joining sanctions would have. In fact, US oil supplies to Italy increased.
    - - The United States' non-participation in the Disarmament Conference hampered the League's efforts to achieve meaningful arms reduction and disarmament agreements. American isolationism allowed countries to pursue their military interests without the influence of U.S. diplomacy, leading to increased tensions and mistrust among nations.
- - - - It took ages for the Lytton Report to be published, in part due to how long it took to travel to Japan. However, the investigation in Manchuria also took too long. From the chinese perspective it was also completely not needed due to the fact that it was clear Japan was the aggressor
    - - In Abyssina, the League negotiated with Italy whilst Italy were building up forces. An earlier intervention could have prevented this from happening or made Mussolini reconsider his actions, had he thought that the League would actually act.
      - The decision not to sanction Italian, and what sanctions to impose, were delayed by infighting and disagreements.
- - - - After Germany remilitarised the Rhineland, Britain and, especially France, had no interest in causing a rift with Italy as they would rely on them to protect against German agression
      - They could have ended Italian ambitions in the region by preventing their access to the Suez canal. If they had, Italy would have found mobilising its forces difficult, and then supplying them would have been all but impossible as they journey around Africa would take so long.
      - Hoare Laval Pact - a proposed deal to give 2/3rds of Abysinnia to Italy to avoid military conflict. When the terms were leaked to the press, public outrage ensured that Hoare and Laval, the French and British Foreign Ministers, lost their jobs. The pact indicates the extent to which Britain and France were more than happy to ignore the League.
      - Sanctions could cost their economies. 30,000 coal mining jobs were threatend by oil sanctions
    - - They were reluctant to confront Japan directly because they wanted to avoid jeopardising their economic and colonial interests in the region, especially during the Great Depression. Their primary goal was to prevent the escalation of conflict without provoking Japan, leading to a cautious and slow response that ultimately failed to deter Japanese aggression
    - - Britain and France acted largely in their own self-interest, prioritising national security over collective disarmament goals.
      - Britain advocated for moderate reductions in armaments but sought to maintain a strong navy to protect its global empire. It was unwilling to make significant sacrifices that could weaken its defence capabilities, especially given the rise of militarism in Germany.
      - France, meanwhile, was wary of disarmament without solid security guarantees, fearing a resurgent Germany. It insisted on maintaining a strong military for protection and demanded an international military force or security pacts before agreeing to significant disarmament.