IB History Higher Level (HL) Practice Exam

The primary outcome of the World Disarmament Conference held in Geneva in February 1932 was the attempt to achieve arms reduction and the subsequent challenges that arose in the implementation of such agreements. This conference represented a significant effort by nations to address the growing tensions and the arms race that were contributing to international instability in the lead-up to World War II.

While countries expressed a desire for disarmament and negotiated terms, the conference ultimately faced considerable difficulties. States were concerned about their own national security and were reluctant to reduce their military capabilities. This led to significant disagreements among nations regarding the terms of disarmament, particularly between those that were disarmed post-World War I and those that had maintained or increased their military strength.

The other options do not accurately reflect the main outcomes of the conference. The League of Nations was established prior to this conference and was not a direct product of it. Similarly, the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919 and is unrelated to the 1932 conference outcome. The establishment of military alliances is more applicable to the events leading up to the Second World War, rather than an outcome of the World Disarmament Conference where the focus was on reducing military tensions.