Expulsion of the Soviet Union from the League of Nations

On December 14, 1939, the League of Nations expelled the Soviet Union in response to its invasion of Finland, an event that underscored the limitations of the League in enforcing global peace and security.

Context and Background

The League of Nations was established after World War I with the primary aim of maintaining world peace and preventing future conflicts. However, by the late 1930s, its effectiveness was increasingly questioned due to its inability to prevent aggression by major powers.

Prelude to the Expulsion

• Soviet-Finnish Relations: Tensions between the Soviet Union and Finland had been escalating due to territorial disputes. The Soviet Union demanded territory from Finland, ostensibly for security reasons, as it sought to protect Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) from potential threats.

• Winter War: On November 30, 1939, the Soviet Union launched an invasion of Finland, marking the beginning of the Winter War. The conflict was characterized by Finland’s determined resistance against the much larger Soviet forces.

The League’s Response

• Condemnation and Expulsion: The League of Nations, which had already been weakened by the withdrawal of major powers like Germany, Japan, and Italy, faced pressure to act against the Soviet aggression. On December 14, 1939, the League’s Assembly voted to expel the Soviet Union, citing its violation of the Covenant of the League, which required members to respect each other’s sovereignty and resolve disputes peacefully.

• Vote and Support: The decision to expel the Soviet Union was supported by 7 of the 15 members of the League’s Council, with 8 abstentions. Notably, the United States, which was not a League member, supported the expulsion.

Significance and Aftermath

• Symbolic Action: The expulsion was largely symbolic, as the League lacked the military power or political influence to enforce its decisions. The Soviet Union continued its military campaign in Finland despite the expulsion.

• Impact on the League: The event highlighted the League’s inability to manage aggressive actions by powerful states, contributing to its declining relevance. The League’s failure to prevent or effectively respond to aggression was a factor leading to its eventual replacement by the United Nations after World War II.

• Outcome of the Winter War: The Winter War ended in March 1940 with the Moscow Peace Treaty, in which Finland ceded some territory to the Soviet Union but retained its independence. The conflict demonstrated Finland’s resilience and garnered international sympathy.

In summary, the expulsion of the Soviet Union from the League of Nations on December 14, 1939, was a significant moment that illustrated the challenges faced by international organizations in maintaining peace during a period of rising global tensions.