WORLD WAR ONE
LEAGUE OF NATIONS
Established in 1920, the League had its headquarters in Switzerland and Geneva. After World War 2 in April 1946, the united nations took its place.
According to Woodrow Wilson, If each nation was responsible for its own defence, he believed that world wars would continue to occur. He also believed that even the most powerful nation would not go to war, knowing it would face the opposite of all powerful nations.
Other nations believed in Wilson’s plans for the League. In March of the year 1920, the U.S. Senate disagreed to, rejected the Treaty of Versailles. Most Americans, within a few years made the decision of not interfering with conflicts overseas. And therefore the United States never did join the League of Nations.
POWERS AND ORGANIZATIONS
The League Covenant pledge member nations and contain articles that preserve territory against all attack. All members agreed to settle all conflicts that may lead to another war to decide by using a third party or the League Council will go under investigation. At the League Council’s request, military force against the nation would be used.
The Council had the main peacekeeping agency. The size of the peacekeeping agency varied from 8 to 14 members. Permanent seats of the Council were only given to the most powerful members of the League. During the Leagues years Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the Soviet Union obtained Permanent seats. Small nations rotated amongst each other the remaining seats.
The Assembly was made of all member nations, and each member only was permitted one vote. The Assembly recruited new members, made amendments to the Covenent and controlled the budget in the League. Under these conditions, By two-thirds or a majority vote the Assembly can make a final decision.
The Secretariat assembled an administrative staff for the League. The head of this 600 member staff was a secretary-general who was nominated the Council and accepted by the Assembly. These Officials assisted the peacekeeping agency for special study commissions on disarmament and colonial affairs.
WHY THE LEAGUE FAILED
Germany, Japan, and Germany were not members. Therefore the “community of power” that President Wilson started had in mind to use it towards the aggressor was reduced to three countries--The Soviet Union, France, Britain.
However, Britain and France did not employ measures to use force, because they did not want to risk another gruesome war. By may 1936, Italy conquered Ethiopia. The Leagues Sanctions were cancelled two months later in July 1936.
A School Link Article. Courtesy of Santino Olivieri, LCCHS, March 16, 1999 .
