USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The League lacked its own armed force and depended on the victorious First World War Allies (Britain, France, Italy and Japan were the permanent members of the Executive Council) to enforce its resolutions, keep to its economic sanctions, or provide an army when needed. The Great Powers were often reluctant to do so.

Detailed explanation-2: -Answer and Explanation: One of the main weaknesses of the League of Nations was that it had no army, so it could not enforce any of its edicts or sanctions. Another weakness was that the United States and Russia, two of the strongest countries, were not members.

Detailed explanation-3: -However, the League also had three great weaknesses. The USA, Russia and Germany were not members; without these powers, the League was too weak to make a big country do as it wished (for instance, Italy over Corfu in 1923). Also, the League’s organisation was a muddle, so when there was a crisis, no-one could agree.

Detailed explanation-4: -The international relations of member countries conflicted with the League’s requirements for collective security. The League didn’t have its own armed forces and depended on members to act, but none of the member countries were ready for another war and didn’t want to provide military support.

Detailed explanation-5: -The League of Nations first failed because of a weak coalition of support. Multiple major world powers were not a part of the League of Nations: “Germany wasn’t allowed to join the League, …. Russia was also excluded, … [and] the US had adopted a policy of isolation from European affairs” (Doc 2).