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Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles is signed by Germany. Signed at the Hall of Mirrors where the German Empire was proclaimed. Political crisis over treaty leads to Chancellor resignation. Germany is extremely dissatisfied with the treaty, because of harsh reparations and the war guilt clause. -
The Aaland Islands Dispute
Dispute between Finland and Sweden over the Aaland Islands. The population of the islands was mostly Swedish, but were under Finnish control. Sweden wanted to take possession of the islands, and the matter was referred to the league. The league decided that the islands should remain under Finnish control, but it would ensure that the people's civil rights were protected. The dispute was a major success for the league as a mediator in international conflicts. -
The Washington Conference (1921-22)
In response to fears of rising Japanese power, the USA assembled a conference of world powers to discuss naval disarmament. This led to the signing of a four-power treaty, among others, which held countries naval power to certain limits. The conference is important, because it demonstrates an attempt to improve international relations in the 1920's. -
Plebiscite in Upper Silesia
Plebiscite is held in Upper Silesia, but it produces an ambiguous result. British argue that the region should remain in German control, but France believes it should be given to Poland. The issue is handed to the League of Nations, and they decide to split the region between Germany and Poland. The dispute demonstrates a source of tension between Britain and France, as well as a success of the League. -
The Corfu Crisis
An Italian general and his staff were killed by Greek bandits near Albania while solving border disputes. In response, Benito Mussolini sent an ultimatum to Athens which it rejected. Greece wanted to direct the conflict to the League, but was pressured into it being reviewed by the Conference of Ambassadors. They ruled in favor of Italy, and insisted that Greece should give compensation. The crisis was a failure of the League, as Italy was able to bully its way into getting what it wanted. -
The Genoa Conference
British Prime Minister, David George Lloyd, assembled a conference meant to put Europe on a path to economic recovery. Britain, France, Germany, and Russia attended. France refused to discuss changes to German reparations, and the conference fell apart as both Germany and Russia left. The conference demonstrates a failure to to improve international relations up to 1923. -
The Ruhr Crisis
After failing to pay reparations, Germany requests a three-year moratorium. France and Belgium send troops to the Ruhr, a vital industrial zone for Germany, to force Berlin to pay reparations. The occupation worsens German hyperinflation. The crisis is a significant point in Anglo-French tensions, and a failure of the League as it wasn't able to involve itself. -
The Dawes Plan
After the worsening of German hyperinflation because of the Ruhr occupation, the USA intervenes and creates the Dawes Committee. Headed by Charles G. Dawes, the committee is tasked with resolving Germany's reparation issues and helping European economic recovery. The Dawes Plan is created, which removed troops from the Ruhr, lowered Germany's annual reparations payment, and loaned it a large sum of money. The plan is significant, as it demonstrates a successful attempt at restoring relations. -
The Locarno Treaties
Scheme of guarantees put forward by Germany to make France feel more secure. Seven treaties were signed, many of which established the inviolability of Franco-German and Belgian-German borders. The treaties also included and Anglo-Italian guarantee, where if France was harmed by Germany, Britain and Italy would come to its assistance. The Treaties are important, because they significantly contributed to the improvement of international relations in Europe. -
Greco-Bulgarian Conflict
The Bulgarian government appealed to the league during the Greek invasion of Bulgaria. The league ordered a cease fire, which was followed by both sides. The league decided to rule in favor of Bulgaria. The conflict demonstrates another success of the league in mediating international conflict.