This key facts covers League Aims — The Four Goals within League of Nations Structure for GCSE History. Revise League of Nations Structure 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 4 of 15 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

📊 League Aims — The Four Goals

The four main aims of the League of Nations were: (1) Collective Security — member nations would defend each other against aggression; (2) Disarmament — reduce weapons to remove the means of war; (3) Improve Living Conditions — tackle poverty, disease, and refugees to remove the causes of conflict; (4) Uphold Treaties — enforce the peace settlements made in 1919, especially the Treaty of Versailles.

1. Collective Security — All members would defend each other against aggression. Attack one, you attack all. This would deter aggressors.

2. Disarmament — Reduce weapons to remove the MEANS for war. Everyone would feel safer with fewer arms.

3. Improve Living Conditions — Tackle problems that caused conflict: poverty, disease, refugees. Happy people don't start wars.

4. Uphold Treaties — Enforce peace settlements like Versailles. Keep the peace established in 1919.

⚠️ Weaknesses From the Start

USA never joined! — Wilson's own country rejected the League. Senate voted against (isolationism). Huge blow to credibility.

Major powers missing: Germany excluded until 1926 (left 1933). USSR excluded until 1934. Italy and Japan left in 1930s.

No army: League had no military force. Relied on members to provide troops — they rarely did.

Slow decision-making: Assembly met once yearly. Unanimous votes needed. Took ages to respond to crises.

Dominated by Britain & France: Both had empires to protect. Not truly impartial. Self-interest often came first.

Sanctions were weak: Economic sanctions hurt League members too. Trade sanctions needed all members to comply.

Practice questions for League of Nations Structure

Which major country never joined the League of Nations?

A. Britain
B. France
C. The USA
D. Italy

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What was meant by 'collective security' in the League of Nations?

A. Each country would build up its own army for protection
B. All members would unite against any country that attacked another
C. Britain and France would protect all other countries
D. Countries would sign individual defence treaties with each other

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League Aims — The Four Goals