applied sanctions. As the sanctions came into effect, Italy in protest resigned from the League in . Thereafter the League was a passive witness to events, taking no part in the crises over the Rhineland, Austria, Czechoslovakia and Poland. The last decisive action it took was in December when Russia was expelled for attacking Finland.
The Assembly did not meet again and the League of Nations was finally dissolved in . Causes of Failure The League appeared to be an organisation of the victors in the First World War. Though it had a world-wide membership, it was very much the centre of European diplomacy. Unanimity of members was required for all its decisions on political issues.
Since it lacked military power of its own, it could not enforce its decisions. The founders of this peace organisation underestimated the potential of nationalism. The principle of “collective security’ could not be applied in actual practice. The League of Nations was shown to have no teeth.
It depended wholly on the good will and positive approach of all nations. When Italy, Japan and Germany, headed by dictators, refused to be bound by the orders of the League, Britain and France were the only major powers who had the power to act. But they were not enthusiastic supporters of the League, as it was the brainchild of Wilson.