Question

why did the league of nations fail to prevent the expansion of fascist powers in the years leading to the second world war?
a) the league of nations was mired in bureaucratic red tape, which made it extremely difficult to take any concrete action beyond voting on resolutions.
b) the united states, which was a member, pressured the league to avoid any confrontations that might result in it being dragged into another european war.
c) essential nations were absent from membership. germany and the soviet union were excluded for most of the interwar years and the united states never joined.
d) the league tried to prevent this expansion, but member states refused to contribute soldiers that would be put in harm’s way.

Explanation:

The League of Nations' effectiveness in preventing fascist expansion was hindered by the absence of key nations. The US (a major power) never joined, and Germany/Soviet Union (relevant to European stability) were excluded for long periods. This lack of critical members weakened its ability to address aggression, unlike issues of bureaucracy (a), US pressure (b), or troop contributions (d), which are less central to its core failure in preventing WWII - related expansion.

Answer:

c) Essential nations were absent from membership. Germany and the Soviet Union were excluded for most of the interwar years and the United States never joined.