Reasons for the failure of the League of Nations

Uniexpro.in 

Preface :- 

The establishment of the League of Nations was a turning point in world history. Its construction was an unprecedented effort in the history of mankind to end the war and establish peace. It was the first institution that was expected to establish the rule of law in the international world. It was said that "its purpose is to protect the coming generations, to make the world a safe place for democracy and to establish a peace that is based on justice." But it was the misfortune of humanity that the League of Nations could not succeed in achieving its great ideals, ambitious dreams and objectives. The following were the reasons for the failure of the League of Nations-

(1) Radical Nationalism  – 

One of the reasons for the failure of the League of Nations was the extreme nationalism of the various nations. Each nation considered itself sovereign and believed in acting according to its will. No nation was ready to establish anyone's control over its sovereignty for international peace and security. The basic principles of the League of Nations may have been new, but their member states believed in narrow ideas of traditional nationalism.

(2) Lack of universality  –

 It was necessary for world peace that all the countries of the world were members of the League of Nations, but this could not happen. Initially, the Soviet Union and Germany were kept out of the organization. Germany was made its member in 1926, but Brazil and Costa Rica left after some time. In 1933, Japan and Germany gave notice of withdrawal from its membership. Russia became its member in 1934. In 1937, Italy gave notice of withdrawal from its membership. In 1939, the Soviet Union was expelled from the League of Nations. Thus, in the 20 years of the League of Nations, no such occasion came when all the countries of the world were its members.

(3) Not becoming a member of America  – 

American President Woodrow Wilson played an important role in establishing the League of Nations but the US Senate rejected the offer of membership. That's why the League of Nations could not get the cooperation of America. America becoming a member of the League of Nations had the following effects on the life of the Sangam -
- The League of Nations had to be deprived of the economic and military power of America, which reduced its power.
The League of Nations could not become the World Trade Organization because America was outside.
- The countries which could not fulfill their hopes and desires due to America not becoming a member, started separating from the League of Nations.
In the absence of America, the Anglo-American guarantee given to France became futile and France resorted to alliances for its security. Which had a bad effect on the League of Nations and world peace.

(4) Loose arrangement to stop the war by the League of Nations – 

A loose shield to stop the war was arranged by the legislation of the League of Nations. Clause 15 of the Covenant, which provided for the settlement of international disputes, was very time-consuming. A lot of time used to pass in discussions and till then the aggressor got a chance to prepare for war. No forceful action could be taken even under Article 16 until the League of Nations declared that a state had declared war in violation of the Union Constitution. Even if there was a war, a state could defend itself by saying that I did not start the war. The League of Nations could not stop this deliberate war.

(5) Based on hatred  –

 Hatred was the basis for the establishment of the League of Nations, because this union was the product of the Treaty of Versailles. The first 26 clauses of the Treaty of Versailles were the constitution of the League of Nations. Thus it was an integral part of the League of Nations. The defeated nations looked at this treaty with hatred and considered it a symbol of injustice. Therefore, his approach towards the League of Nations was granted. In this way, Germany rejected the League of Nations as a part of the Treaty of Versailles.

Conclusion  – 

It is true that the League of Nations could not succeed in prevention of war and in efforts to establish peace due to the selfishness, fierce nationalism, feeling of overconfidence etc. of its member nations. But still, of all the international organizations that have been formed in history, the League of Nations has proved to be the most useful.