The Search for International Peace and Security, 1919–1945

Germany and the League of Nations

3 Read the sources and then answer both parts of the question.

Source A

The times when there was no League of Nations were far more honourable and humane. The pacifist says that differences of opinion between peoples should be brought before a ‘Peace Court’. But would the judges of this court have the power to bring the parties before it? I believe that an accused only appears ‘voluntarily’ before a court because, if he did not, he would be fetched there. I should like to see the nation which would allow itself without external force to be brought before this League of Nations’ Court in the case of a disagreement. In the life of nations, what in the last resort decides questions is a kind of judgement by God. No one yields voluntarily! It is strength which decides the day. Always before God and the world the stronger has the right to carry through what he wills. The world of nature is a struggle between strength and weakness – an eternal victory of the strong over the weak.

From a speech by Adolf Hitler, April 1923.

Source B

The League of Nations has not met with much sympathy in Germany. Naturally it is hated by politicians of the revenge school who dream of a new world war in which Germany will be victorious. The peaceful elements of the country, who constitute the majority, also mistrust and lack interest in the League. Germany might soon be invited to join the League. It will be profoundly regrettable in the interests of the world and of Germany herself if she does not understand the significance of this historic moment, for by her isolation she will strengthen among other peoples the impression that most German people are dreaming of new wars and bloody revenge. We cannot any longer do without the League of Nations. It represents the only rational method of putting a peaceful end to international disputes.

From an article by a German socialist, April 1924.

Source C

It seems obvious that Germany ought to be glad to put an end to her political and moral isolation by joining the League of Nations, and that she, in her present weakened condition, has the greatest interest in supporting an institution intended to place Right above Might. Nevertheless, you nearly always hear unfavourable judgements of the League in Germany, and a vote on the question of our entrance would give an overwhelming majority against it. Critics of the League claim that it is a sham designed to conceal the political and selfish aims of French militarism and English imperialism. No government could survive the storm of indignation which would be aroused by seeking admission to such an unpopular institution. Our whole foreign policy is directed towards the revision of the Treaty of Versailles, but we would certainly not be allowed to become a member without acknowledging once more, and this time voluntarily, our treaty obligations, including acceptance of our responsibility for the war and the loss of territories in the East which we hope to regain one day.

From an article by a German Law Professor, April 1924.

Source D

The catastrophic war has brought humanity to its senses. The Treaty of Versailles determined Germany’s disarmament and we must now work towards general disarmament. It is our duty to restore the old economic system, bridging the gap between trading nations rather than erecting economic barriers. God has endowed humanity with different blood, different languages and different homelands but this cannot justify using our national strength against each other. The League must embrace all nations on the basis of equality. Germany is determined to adopt this ideal as the basis of her policy. May the League’s work be based on ideals of peace, freedom and unity, to which we pledge our earnest devotion.

From a speech made by Gustav Stresemann (German Foreign Minister) to mark Germany’s admission to the League of Nations, September 1926.

Answer both parts of the question with reference to the sources.

(a) Compare and contrast the views expressed about the League of Nations by Hitler in Source A

and Stresemann in Source D. [15]

(b) How far do Sources A to D support the view that it was not in Germany’s interests to join the

League of Nations? [25]