Conflict and Tension 1918-1939Key Facts

Territorial Disputes — Successes

Part of League SuccessesGCSE History

This key facts covers Territorial Disputes — Successes within League Successes for GCSE History. Revise League Successes in Conflict and Tension 1918-1939 for GCSE History with 8 exam-style questions and 5 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 2 of 10 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 2 of 10

Practice

8 questions

Recall

5 flashcards

📊 Territorial Disputes — Successes

DisputeDateWhat HappenedWhy It Worked
Aaland Islands 1921 Sweden and Finland both claimed these islands. League decided they should belong to Finland. Both accepted the decision. Small countries, no major power interests.
Upper Silesia 1921 Germany and Poland disputed this industrial region. League held plebiscite, then divided it. Both accepted. Economic links maintained between the two parts.
Bulgaria 1925 Greece invaded Bulgaria after border incident. League ordered Greece to withdraw and pay compensation. Greece obeyed. Shows League could stand up to a member.

✅ Humanitarian Successes — Often Overlooked!

The League did valuable work beyond settling disputes:

  • Refugees: Helped 400,000 refugees return home after WW1. Nansen passports for stateless people.
  • Health: Fought diseases like malaria and leprosy. Started global health campaigns.
  • Working conditions: ILO (International Labour Organisation) improved workers' rights — banned lead in paint, set maximum working hours.
  • Slavery: Freed 200,000 slaves in Sierra Leone. Attacked slavery in Burma.
  • Drugs: Blacklisted drug companies involved in illegal trade.
  • Exam tip: Don't just focus on failures! These successes show the League COULD work — it just failed when major powers were involved.

    Keep building this topic

    Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in League Successes. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

    Practice Questions for League Successes

    In 1921, who did the League of Nations decide should control the Aaland Islands?

    • A. Sweden
    • B. Finland
    • C. Norway
    • D. Denmark
    1 markfoundation

    How did the League of Nations resolve the Upper Silesia dispute between Germany and Poland in 1921?

    • A. It awarded all of Upper Silesia to Poland
    • B. It awarded all of Upper Silesia to Germany
    • C. It held a plebiscite and divided the region between both countries
    • D. It imposed military occupation until both sides agreed
    1 markfoundation

    Quick Recall Flashcards

    Bulgaria 1925?
    Greece invaded, League made them withdraw and pay compensation.
    Upper Silesia?
    1921 — Germany vs Poland. Plebiscite then division. Both accepted.

    Want to test your knowledge?

    PrepWise has 8 exam-style questions and 5 flashcards for League Successes — with adaptive difficulty and instant feedback.

    Join Alpha