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Aaland Islands Dispute
Most inhabitants of the Aaland Islands wanted to become part of Sweden but Finland disagreed. The League of Nations decided that the islands should remain with Finland, though protections were put in place to protect the rights of Swedish people in the islands to maintain their own language and culture. Both Finland and Sweden accepted the decision, and the threat of war was averted. This is important in understanding the essential questions because it shows one of the League's successes. -
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Washington Naval Conference
There was a need to reduce tensions East Asia arising from Japanese expansion. The US invited 9 nations to discuss naval reductions and the situation in East Asia. This led to a series of treaties that seemed to guarantee peace in East Asia but it lacked and enforcement mechanism. This is important in understanding the essential question because it lowered tensions between many western powers and Japan -
Genoa Conference
Representatives of 20 European nations met in Genoa, Italy, to discuss how to solve their postwar economic problems. The conference focused on German reparations. The conference achieved nothing. The USA declined its invitation and both Germany and Russia left the conference. This is essential in understanding the essential question because the Genoa conference increased tensions between Germany and the major European powers. -
Rapallo Pact
Both Russia and Germany were displeased with the Genoa Conference's negotiations and came to their own agreement known as the Rapallo Pact. They both agreed to renounce all territorial claims against each other and to meet the economic needs of both countries. It included a secret annex that allowed Germany to train its soldiers on Soviet territory. This is essential in understanding the essential question because the pact increased French suspicions and increased international tensions. -
Ruhr Crisis
Angered by Germany's failure to make reparation payments, France and Belgium sent troops to occupy the Ruhr with the aim of seizing coal and timber. The German government ordered passive resistance which paralyzed industry in the Ruhr. This furthered German hyperinflation and made it harder for Germany to pay its reparations. This is essential in understanding the essential question because it worsened international tensions between France, Belgium, and Germany -
Corfu Crisis
An Italian general and his staff were killed by Greek bandits. Italy sent Athens and ultimatum which they refused and Italy invaded Corfu. The incident was referred to the Conference of Ambassadors which sided with Italy and Greece was forced to pay Italy 50 million lira. This is essential in understanding the essential questions because it increased international tensions between Italy and Greece and showed how nations ignored the League of Nations. -
Dawes Plan
Emerged from the London Conference. French and Belgium troops had to withdraw from the Ruhr and region should be returned to full German control. Germany's annual reparation payments were lowered. Germany's national bank should be reconstructed and supervised by other countries. Germany received loans to maintain future reparation payments. This is essential in understanding the essential question because it made way for future negotiation, enhancing international stability -
Locarno Conference
Germany, France, and Belgium agreed to respect their joint frontiers. This meant that the borders agreed at the Paris Peace Conference were jointly confirmed and accepted. It included the Treaty of Mutual Guarantee: Britain and Italy would assist any country that received aggression, this gave France a feeling of security. This is essential in understanding the essential question because the treaties were greeted with enthusiasm, and optimism across Europe and lowered international tension. -
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Kellogg-Briand Pact
Kellogg-Briand Pact was signed by over 60 nations including the USA, France, Britain, the USSR, Germany, Italy, and Japan. By signing the pact, nations renounced war and agreed to settle disputes by peaceful means. The pact contained no indication of what steps might be taken against any country that broke the agreement, the lack of clarity made it worthless. This is important in understanding the essential question because it provided nations with a sense of security and lowered tensions. -
Young Plan
Reduced the final sum of German reparations. Set up a bank for international settlements to help prevent war from economic disputes. The international controls over the German economy established by the Dawes Plan was dismantled. Anglo-French evacuation of the Rhineland before the Treaty of Versailles required it. This is essential in understanding the essential question because it showed French willingness to compromise which significantly lowered tensions between European nations.