Teaching Activities

It’s September 1939 and the League of Nations is on trial. Divide into two groups. One group should work together to defend the League from accusations that it was a weak organisation, incapable of restraining the strong nations and of little benefit to the minor powers. Look through your notes to find examples of and reasons for the League’s success and attempt to justify the League’s continued existence.

The second group presents a case for the prosecution. What main arguments can be levelled against the League, how are they likely to be countered and what would be your responses? Do not confine yourself to Abyssinia and Manchuria.

At the end of the trial everyone votes to determine a verdict on the League’s conduct and whether or not it should receive a stay of execution.