The League settled the Aland Islands dispute peacefully in 1921, but in Corfu in 1923 Italy used force and still got paid.
Finland and Sweden both claimed the Aland Islands. In 1921, the League decided the islands would stay part of Finland. It also protected the islanders' Swedish language and self-government, and banned military use of the islands. Both countries accepted, so the dispute ended without war.
In 1925, the League also helped end a border clash between Greece and Bulgaria. These successes show the League could stop disputes growing into wars when countries accepted its role.
Corfu in 1923 showed a different problem. Italian officials were killed near the Greek-Albanian border. Italy's leader, Mussolini, bombarded and occupied the Greek island of Corfu. Greece appealed to the League. But the dispute was handled by the Conference of Ambassadors, a separate body of the major Allied powers. Italy withdrew after Greece paid compensation.
The occupation ended, but Italy was paid after using force. This was coercion: using threats or force to make another country give in. It weakened the idea that powerful members had to obey the same rules as everyone else. Compare the two cases. At Aland, willing cooperation made a peaceful deal possible. At Corfu, a powerful state avoided the League, so fair enforcement failed.
- Aland Islands, 1921
- League gives them to Finland; both sides accept.
- Greece-Bulgaria, 1925
- League helps end a border clash.
- Corfu, 1923
- Italy occupies Corfu and Greece pays compensation.
Worked example: What counts as success at Corfu?
A student writes: Corfu was a success because Italy left.
- Did the occupation end? Yes, Italy left.
- Was aggression discouraged? No. Greece paid Italy after Italy used force.
- Say what you mean by success, then weigh both results.
Watch out for this
The League failed in the 1920s because Japan invaded Manchuria.
Manchuria was in 1931. In the 1920s, the League had successes like Aland and setbacks like Corfu.
Check your understanding
Why was Aland a League success?
- Both Finland and Sweden accepted the League's decision.
- The League sent an army to force Sweden out.
- Italy withdrew after being paid.