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Fiume Crisis
Italy desired to grow its territories, so they decided to occupy Fiume. 9 French troops ended up getting lynched by growing Italian mobs and the situation was quickly getting out of hand. Because of the nationalist government of Fiume, the League failed to respond. Yugoslavia and Italy ended up coming to their own agreements, making Fiume a self-governing area. This event is important as it shows weaknesses of the League and their failure to respond. -
Polish-Lithuanian Dispute over Vilna
Poland, looking to expand, decided to occupy Vilna which was Lithuanian territory. Lithuania asked the League to intervene. So, the League ordered for Poland to leave. While Poland initially agreed, they later came back and annexed the area again. This event is important as it showed the League’s inability to reinforce their decisions and Poland’s ability to defy the League. -
Aaland Islands Dispute
The Aaland Islands were apart of Finland but they had a large amount of Swedish citizens. As a result, citizens argued over to whom the area belonged to. The League ended up interfering and deeming the area belonging to Finland. However, they also ordered that there should be Swedish right-protection laws. This event is important as it shows the League’s ability to successfully solve a dispute with cooperation from both nations. -
Washington Naval Conference
The purpose of this conference was to prevent an arms race from developing amongst growing nations. Three treaties were created: The 4 power, the 5 power, and the 9 power treaties. All treaties were meant to ban certain naval weapons to prevent the arms race. This event is important as it showcased how nations could not enforce decisions without initiating their fear of war. Additionally, the inability to ban certain weapons foreshadowed problems in the future. -
Genoa Conference
The conference was initially designed to discuss Germany’s reparation issues. However, France refused to negotiate. Because of this, everyone began to withdraw from the conference until there were no attendees. So, this conference achieved nothing. This event is important as it allowed Russia to later make negotiations with Germany. Additionally, it highlighted France’s unwillingness to negotiate which created future issues. -
Ruhr Crisis
France and Belgium were upset with Germany’s inability to repay their reparations. So, they took over the Rhineland and seized Germany’s industries. German workers rebelled by refusal to work, but German citizens ended up being killed in response. This event is important as it highlights Germany’s worsening economy while paving the way for the ideas later presented in the Dawes Plan of 1924. -
Corfu Crisis
Greek bandits, by the Albanian border but in Italy, killed Italian troops. Furious by this- and Greece’s refusal to accept demands- Italy ordered soldiers to occupy Corfu. Instead of going to the League, Greece went to the Conference of Ambassadors. The COA sided with Italy and ordered Greece to pay compensation. This event was important as it showcased European tensions and the League’s inability to act. -
Dawes Plan
This plan, brought up at the London conference, was designed to help Germany with their reparations. France and Belgium were ordered to leave the Ruhr. Additionally, Germany’s economics were expected to improve as their banks were supervised and their reparations were reconstructed. This event was important as it provided temporary success and French willingness to compromise. -
Locarno Conference
People wanted greater economic stability in Europe, so this conference was held. France was especially happy as Germany and Belgium promised to respect their frontiers and now France had a sense of security. Many citizens were met with a positive feeling about the new conference called “Locarno spirit” which resulted in hope for the future of Europe. This event is important as it created happiness amongst citizens and the illusion of French security. -
Young Plan
The U.S. noticed that Germany was struggling to pay their reparations. So, Owen Young offered to help. Germany’s reparations were gradually decreased and war from economic disputes was avoided. Also, Britain and France were forced to leave the Rhineland. This event would have been successful if not for the Great Depression. This event is important as it shows cooperation amongst nations before the Great Depression halted them. Additionally, the evacuation of the Rhineland impacted future events.