The admission of the Soviet Union to the League of Nations represented a significant turning point in the dynamics of international relations in the 1930s. The League of Nations, an intergovernmental organization founded in 1920 after World War I, sought to maintain world peace and prevent future conflicts. By the early 1930s, the League had seen various member states withdraw and faced challenges in addressing global tensions, notably the rise of fascism in Europe. The Soviet Union was initially excluded from the League due to its perceived threat to capitalist nations and the non-recognition status during the early post-revolution years.

However, by 1934, the global political landscape began to shift, prompting a reconsideration of the USSR's place within international diplomacy. The League Assembly held in Geneva included discussions on the evolving geopolitical context, with members acknowledging the necessity of encompassing a broader array of nations in efforts to maintain peace. The Soviet Union, represented by its Foreign Minister Maxim Litvinov, lobbied for admission, emphasizing its desire for collective security and non-aggression.

The League assembled, and after considerable debate, the vote for the Soviet Union's admission was held. Out of the 55 member states present, 38 voted in favor of admitting the USSR, while a handful voted against. The decision was celebrated by the Soviet delegation as a notable recognition of their government, and was framed as a step toward more inclusive international cooperation. However, not all members were enthusiastic, reflecting the ongoing ideological divisions that would continue to play a significant role in global affairs.