Question

Which of the following is/are among the reason(s) behind the failure of the League of Nations?

• A. Lack of military power
• B. Supremacy of nationalism over collective peace
• C. The league had a world-wide membership that diluted its power
• D. Lack of support from nations like Britian, France, and Germany

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B)

Supremacy of nationalism over collective peace

• The League appeared to be an organisation for the winners of the First World War. Despite the world-wide membership, it functioned as the centre of European diplomacy.
• The League did not have any military power of its own. Therefore it could not enforce its decisions.
• The League required an undivided opinion of the participants to take any decision. The lack of unanimity among members and the need for the same for its smooth functioning stumbled the league big time.
• The principle of collective security could not be applied in actual practice due to the power of nationalism.