2. Absence of Major Power Involvement: Significant world power, most notably the United States, chose not to join the League of Nations. Without their involvement and support, the league's authority and influence were considerably weakened.
3. Limited Membership and Representation: The League of Nations largely comprised European countries, leaving out vital regions like Asia, Africa, and the Americas. This limited representation diminished its ability to address global issues effectively.
4. Inability to Resolve Conflict Peacefully: The League of Nations failed to effectively address conflicts that emerged in the interwar period, including the Manchurian Crisis, the Abyssinia Crisis, and the rise of Fascism in Europe. Its peacekeeping efforts often proved ineffective, as nations prioritized their national interests over collective security.
5. Lack of Collective Security: Member nations were not obligated to take military action to enforce League decisions. This allowed aggressive nations, like Germany, Italy, and Japan, to violate the league's principles without significant repercussions.
6. Rise of Nationalism and Isolationism: The 1920s and 1930s saw a rise in nationalist sentiments and isolationist policies among nations. This reduced the willingness of league members to cooperate and take joint action, further undermining its effectiveness.
7. Inflexible Covenant: The League's founding document, the Covenant was criticized for being too rigid and inflexible. Amending the covenant required unanimous agreement among all members, making it difficult to adapt to changing circumstances.