History of International Frameworks Part 1: The Failure of the First Order Construction and Its Long-Term Consequences【Modern History】#397

A surprising turn of events where the initiator fails to participate.

While President Wilson of the United States was the one who called for the creation of an organization for peace, the U.S. itself ended up not joining due to opposition from Congress. It was as if the person who organized a party failed to show up on the day, a letdown that actually occurred in the international community at the time. This initial stumble significantly undermined the League's effectiveness thereafter.

Japan, a permanent member, also decides to leave the League.

At the time, Japan held a key position as a permanent member of the League of Nations, helping to lead the world. However, in 1933, Japan announced its withdrawal. With Germany and Italy following suit, the major powers meant to uphold the global framework dropped out one by one, rendering the organization effectively hollow. This episode also covers the background of the famous scene where the representative Yosuke Matsuoka walked out with head held high.

The shock of the fierce hyperinflation that struck Germany.

As a defeated nation, Germany was burdened with massive reparations, pushing its economy to the brink of collapse. The historical photographs showing people needing two wheelbarrows of cash to buy a single loaf of bread are scenes beyond our modern imagination. In these extreme conditions, certain forces rose to power, and the world began to feel the ominous approach of war once again. Please listen to the full episode to learn more about the trajectory of these tumultuous international affairs.