© Boardworks Ltd 2006 2 of 19 © Boardworks Ltd 2006 2 of 19 IGCSE History To what extent was the League of Nations a success? Powerpoint adapted from:

© Boardworks Ltd 20062 of 19 © Boardworks Ltd 20062 of 19

IGCSE HistoryTo what extent was the League

of Nations a success?

Powerpoint adapted from: https://www.tes.co.uk/teaching-resource/league-of-nations-resoruces-6092587

© Boardworks Ltd 20063 of 19

BRAINSTORM

Brainstorm

You are setting up a new peacekeeping organisation. Consider the following:

- Which countries should be involved?

- How should decisions be made?

- How should decisions be enforced?

- How should the organisation function?


Origins of the League of Nations

Woodrow Wilson was the American President during the First World War. He had tried to keep America out of the war.

Wilson decided that if America was to join the war, then the object would be to ensure world peace for the future.

However in 1917, with France seemingly on the edge of defeat and American civilians being killed by German submarines, America could no longer stay out of the conflict.


Look at this image – What is the cartoonist suggesting about the League of Nations?


Wilson wanted a safer world. He thought having an organisation like the League of Nations might stop future conflicts.

It was not a new idea, but after the carnage of the First World War, Wilson’s message of peace and cooperation struck a cord with many people.

People hoped that the First World War would indeed be the “war to end all wars.”


What did the major powers want?

France wanted a strong League with an army

Britain wanted a simple organisation (like the Council of Ambassadors) – would only meet in emergencies

Wilson wanted a world parliament

What do you think would be the best option for keeping peace? Why?



Wilson’s Plan:

• All major nations to join League• All nations to disarm• All nations to accept decisions made by the

League• All nations to protect one another in the event of

invasion• All nations promised to stop trading with a

country which had broken the Covenant (the set of rules)

• If needed, all nations to send troops to help invaded country


All nations agreed…

The countries within the

League all

agreed..

To disarm

If they had a dispute with

another country, they

would take it to the League

Accept whatever decision

was made by the League

To protect one

another if they were invaded

If any members did break the covenant and

go to war, other members

promised to stop trading

with it and send troops if

necessary.


Activity in class (Pairs)

Source Analysis p. 25

Work in PAIRS

Write down INDIVIDUAL answers


Aims of the league (KEEP)

1) To keep world peace by discouraging aggression from any nation

2) To encourage countries to co-operate to develop business and trade.

3) To enhance the living and working conditions of people in all parts of the world.

4) To persuade nations to disarm

What do you think is meant by collective security? Match the description with the term.


Why didn’t the USA join the League of Nations?

What do you predict will be

the main reason for the USA not

joining the League?


Activity in class (Individual)

Explain why America did not join the League of Nations.[6]

You have 10 minutes to answer the question in your books.


Self-assessment

1. Underline your introduction and your conclusion

2. In one colour, underline your points.

3. In a different colour, underline your explanations.

4. Have you answered the question?

Give yourself a mark out of 6. 1 mark per point and 1 mark per explanation.

Give yourself a bonus point if you followed the correct structure and used words such as firstly, secondly, in addition, furthermore,

however etc to link your sentences.


CONTENT IN THE MINI-ESSAY

The following must be included in the mini-essay:

1. The League was responsible for enforcing the Treaty of Versailles. Many Americans with German heritage resented the treaty, and therefore did not want America to join the League.

2. Many Americans wanted America to return to a policy of isolationism (=not become involved in foreign affairs). They did not want US soldiers to be obliged to fight in smaller conflicts across the world, especially after the casualties in the First World War.

3. Any trade sanctions imposed by the League in reaction to aggressive behaviour by a country may have negative effects on American trade and businesses.

4. Americans rejected imperialism and believed in self-determination. Many feared that the League would be dominated by the two largest colonial powers, namely Britain and France.


Sample structure:

America did not join the League of Nations for various reasons.

Firstly….. because

Secondly... as a result of

Moreover/Furthermore/In addition/Additionally… This meant that

Lastly, …. because

In conclusion, it is a result of these factors that America did not join the League of Nations, even though it had been the brainchild of Woodrow Wilson.

[Award up to 5 marks for following this structure and for correct spelling]


SOURCE ANALYSIS (INDIVIDUAL)

On your own copy of the cartoon, annotate (add comments to) the key features of the cartoon. What do you think is the

message of the cartoon?

On your own, complete a standard written analysis of the cartoon.


4 marks, 4 minutes

What were the main aims of the League? [4]

Documents

© Boardworks Ltd 2006 2 of 19 © Boardworks Ltd 2006 2 of 19 IGCSE History To what extent was the League of Nations a success? Powerpoint adapted from: