We didn’t know in 1918 that it would be “World War I.” President Wilson saw the peace process as an opportunity. A “League of Nations” would uphold a lasting peace using the principles of justice, fairness, and self-determination (the right of self-government). The Senate failed to ratify the peace treaty, wary about “entangling alliances.” The League of Nations had some success but was too weak to prevent WWII. A stronger replacement, the United Nations, this time with United States involvement, replaced it after the war.
A Lasting Peace
Opponents of the United States’ entry into World War I supported peaceful means to avoid war. President Woodrow Wilson agreed that nations should use negotiation to uphold international norms and settle disputes. He ran for re-election on a “he kept us out of war” platform. Nonethless, Wilson determined events warranted U.S. entry into the war.
Once the war was over, Wilson argued it was essential to ensure that we had a lasting peace. He supported the Fourteen Points (principles) that pointed to a peace based on justice, fairness, and self-determination (self-government). The European victors, especially France, were not so sure. Self-government of certain areas, for instance, was not ideal for colonial powers.
League Of Nations
Wilson made the surprising decision to go to Europe personally to negotiate the peace treaty. He was willing to compromise. Some of his “points” did not happen.
He argued that the peace treaty must include the establishment of a League of Nations. It would be an international organization to enforce the peace treaty and avoid future conflicts.
The League of Nations became part of the Treaty of Versailles, which formally ended the war. It began operation in 1920 in Geneva, Switzerland. Unfortunately for its long term success, the United States was not a member. The U.S. Senate failed to ratify the peace treaty.
Why Did The U.S. Not Join?
Wilson gave the first live nationwide radio address to honor the fifth anniversary of the end of World War I. He angrily spoke about our failure to join the League of Nations:
We turned our backs upon our associates and refused to bear any responsible part in the administration of peace, or the firm and permanent establishment of the results of the war- won at so terrible a cost of life and treasure-and withdrew into a sullen and selfish isolation which is deeply ignoble because manifestly cowardly and dishonorable.
The failure began with the results of the 1918 congressional elections. Wilson campaigned for the Democrats. The Democrats, largely for domestic economic reasons, lost. A peace treaty needed two-thirds of the Senate. Republicans would now control both houses of Congress.
Wilson did not name a member of the Senate, ex-President Taft (Republican and internationalist), or any Republican, except for a career diplomat, to the peace delegation. Republicans split on the League of Nations. Some were willing to support it with reservations.
The president was not willing to compromise. He directly appealed to the American public. Then, Wilson had his stroke and was largely unable to work for months. The treaty failed.
The opposition reflected a long tradition. President Washington, in his Farewell Address, opposed “entangling alliances” with foreign powers. The treaty required the League to protect the independence and territorial integrity of other countries around the world.
Wilson argued that World War I showed the need for U.S. involvement in world affairs. The nation was wary. A period of isolationism arose that lasted until the outbreak of World War II.
The League in Action
The League of Nations had an assembly (all member nations) and a council (selected permanent and non-permanent nations), which was chiefly concerned with threats to world peace.
There was also a World Court to settle disputes. Special agencies and commissions dealt with economic and social problems. The United Nations later followed this basic framework.
A permanent commission regulated mandates. Mandates were territories overseen by the League of Nations, including Palestine, which were former colonies of the defeated nations of World War I. The ultimate goal was to provide them with full independence.
United States Involvement
The United States cooperated in a limited way. It observed the proceedings.
The United States also joined the International Labor Organization. It helped efforts to fight disease, suppress slavery, and establish standards in communication and transportation.
League Weaknesses
The League of Nations peacefully settled boundary disputes in the 1920s. It also advanced economic and social progress by aiding nations financially, combating disease, and addressing the traffic of opium. Some Middle Eastern mandates appeared to be on the road to independence.
A major problem was the need for unanimous support. The United Nations does not require it.
The League of Nations also failed to address multiple acts of aggression in the 1930s. Germany, Italy, and Japan withdrew to have freedom of movement. The Soviet Union was expelled in 1939 after entering in 1933. And, of course, the United States never joined.
The League of Nations failed to stop Italy’s seizure of Ethiopia. It did not have the power to tax, draft an army, or enforce its decisions. Shades of the Articles of Confederation?!
United Nations
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt originally supported an isolationist policy, which led to the United States not joining the League of Nations.
The rising fascist threat and the United States’ involvement in World War II changed the equation. The United States now had a major role in advancing the collective security of Europe and the rest of the world. It would play a significant role in the creation of the United Nations.
Both presidential candidates in 1944 supported the United Nations, which would be a stronger League of Nations. The United States would take part along with the Soviet Union and the defeated Axis Powers. The U.N. would have the power to create peacekeeping missions.
The League of Nations had its last session in 1946.