What was the League of Nations and what was a major weakness hindering its effectiveness?

• A. A military alliance formed after WWI.
• B. An international organization to resolve disputes peacefully; it lacked enforcement power and U.S. participation, and depended on member states' cooperation.
• C. A treaty that formalized borders in Europe.
• D. A movement advocating for colonial independence.

Answer: (B)

The League of Nations was created after World War I as an international body to settle disputes through diplomacy, arbitration, and collective security, in hopes of preventing future wars. The key weakness that limited its effectiveness was its lack of real enforcement power. It had no standing army and depended on member states to enforce its decisions, often requiring unanimous agreement or voluntary cooperation. The absence of the United States, a major world power, further weakened its authority and credibility. Because decisions relied on cooperation and sanctions without real teeth, aggressor nations could ignore rulings with little consequence, making it hard for the League to stop aggression and maintain peace.