It is August 1923. Five Italian officials have been killed on the Greek-Albanian border — probably by bandits, possibly by Greek soldiers. Mussolini, Italy's new fascist leader, sees an opportunity. He issues impossible demands to Greece. When Greece hesitates, he bombards the island of Corfu, killing 15 civilians. He then occupies the island. Greece appeals to the League of Nations. The League condemns Italy. Britain and France are permanent Council members and could enforce the ruling. What do they do? They back down. The Conference of Ambassadors — a group of major powers outside the League — overrules the decision. Greece is forced to apologise and pay Italy 50 million lire. Mussolini gets away with it completely. The message to every dictator watching: the League is a paper tiger. Its words mean nothing if you are powerful enough to ignore them.
This introduction covers The Day the League Backed Down within League Failures for GCSE History. Revise League Failures in Conflict and Tension 1918-1939 for GCSE History with 8 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This topic shows up very often in GCSE exams, so students should be able to explain it clearly, not just recognise the term. It is section 1 of 13 in this topic. Use this introduction to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Practice questions for League Failures
What happened at Corfu in 1923?
In the Vilna crisis of 1920, which country seized Vilna against the League's wishes?
Quick recall flashcards
Vilna crisis?
1920 — Poland seized Lithuanian capital. League powerless. France backed Poland.
Corfu crisis?
1923 — Italy invaded Greek island. League overruled. Greece had to pay Italy!