League of Nations: Formation, US Absence & Challenges
Formation of the League of Nations
After World War I, a consensus emerged to prevent future mass slaughter, leading to the agreement that a League of Nations could achieve this goal. However, disagreements arose regarding the organization’s structure.
Competing Visions for the League
- President Wilson (USA): Advocated for a world parliament where representatives of all nations could meet for discussions. This vision ultimately won.
- British Leaders: Preferred a simpler organization, similar to the existing Conference of Ambassadors, convening only during emergencies.
- France: Desired a strong league equipped with its own army.
President Wilson’s vision prevailed, and by February, he had drafted an ambitious plan. Key tenets included:
- Membership of all major nations.
- Commitment to disarmament.
- Submission of disputes to the League.
- Pledges to accept League decisions and protect fellow members from invasion.
- Collective action against disobedient members through trade sanctions and potential military intervention (sending troops).
Aims of the League of Nations
The League aimed to:
- Discourage aggression from any country.
- Promote disarmament.
- Settle disputes peacefully.
- Encourage international cooperation, especially in business and trade.
- Protect the independence and borders of new countries (upholding and enforcing the Treaty of Versailles).
- Improve living and working conditions globally.
Why the USA Did Not Join the League
Several factors contributed to the United States’ decision not to join the League of Nations.
Reasons for US Opposition
- Public Fear: Some ordinary Americans feared that joining the League meant committing US soldiers to settle every minor conflict around the world. No one desired that after the casualties of the First World War.
- Business Concerns: American businessmen worried that if the League imposed sanctions, it might be American trade and businesses that suffered most.
- Anti-British & Anti-French Sentiment: Some feared the League would be dominated by France and Britain and that the US would be called upon to support their empires. Many in the US were anti-empires.
- German Immigrant Opposition: The League was supposed to enforce the Treaty of Versailles. Some Americans, particularly the millions with German ancestors, hated the treaty itself.
- Republican Isolationism: Republicans generally favored isolation from European affairs (e.g., not getting involved in international alliances but following their own policies and self-interest) and sought a return to “normalcy” (life as it was before the war).
League Membership and Challenges
Britain and France were the most powerful members of the League. While Italy and Japan were also permanent members of the Council, any significant League action required British and French support. However, both nations were poorly positioned for this leadership role.
The war had weakened them considerably, diminishing their status as major global powers. Neither Britain nor France possessed the resources to fill the void left by the USA’s absence. Many believed the Americans were the only nation with the resources or influence to make the League work effectively. Indeed, some officials suggested that had they foreseen the American decision, they might not have voted for their own countries to join.
Furthermore, both nations had other pressing priorities:
- Britain: Was more interested in rebuilding British trade and looking after the British Empire.
- France: France’s main concern was Germany. It was worried that the League lacked its own army and doubted that Britain would commit troops readily.