IGCSE History Practice Test 2026 - Free IGCSE History Practice Questions and Study Guide

The League of Nations was established after World War I with the intention of maintaining peace and preventing future conflicts through collective security and disarmament. However, the failure to achieve effective disarmament undermined its credibility and authority, particularly in Germany.

During the interwar period, Germany felt humiliated by the Treaty of Versailles, which imposed severe military restrictions on the country. The League's inability to enforce disarmament made many Germans perceive the League as ineffective and biased, particularly since other nations were able to maintain stronger militaries. This perception contributed to a sense of injustice among the German populace and government, fostering resentment and a desire to reject the terms set by the Treaty.

As a result, the League's failure in the area of disarmament particularly worsened its reputation in Germany. This sentiment would later be exploited by Adolf Hitler as he promoted the idea of rearmament and sought to rebuild Germany's military stature. By presenting the League as weak and hypocritical, he garnered support for his agenda, ultimately leading to the rearmament of Germany and defiance against the international agreements.

This outcome illustrates how the League of Nations' inability to effectively address disarmament created a negative impact on its standing in Germany, fueling nationalistic and