Lo – to consider how successful the LON was in the 1920’s. The League of Nations Lo – to consider how successful the LON was in the 1920’s.

Horrified by the suffering of WW1, many people wanted a lasting peace – this was meant to be the League of Nations. 1920’s – it had some successes By 1937 it became irrelevant and was ignored (Britain & France). 1939 – another World War.

Origins Disagreement from the start over what sort of organisation the LON should be. President Wilson wanted a world Parliament ; world leaders could all meet and decide on matters. The British wanted a simple organisation that would only meet in emergencies. France wanted a strong league with its own army. Wilson won – drafted a very ambitious plan.

Plan – all major nations would join the league - They would disarm - if there was a dispute between countries the league would sort it out - if a country broke this promise all other countries would cease trading & send troops to stop fighting. Wilson angered lots of people – seems he was the ONLY one who could solve the worlds problems. Hopes were still high

A body blow to the league Wilson had BIG problem – he needed Congress to approve his plan. Powerful opposition – Congress voted against joining the LON in 1919. 1920 – Wilson had a stroke and became ill March 1920 – congress vote NO again.

Democrats did not give up – they were convinced without the USA, there could be another World War. 1920 election – Republicans campaigned for a ‘return to normalcy’ and for ‘isolationalism’. League opened in January 1920 without the USA (who never joined).

Lo – to understand how the League of Nations worked. THE AIMS OF THE LEAGUE Lo – to understand how the League of Nations worked.

AUTHOR – AUDIENCE – PURPOSE?

Aims A covenant set out the aims of the LON. These were: To discourage aggression from any nation To encourage countries to co-operate To encourage nations to disarm To improve living and working conditions for people on all parts of the world.

MEMBERSHIP OF THE LEAGUE. Without the US, Britain and France were the most powerful countries in the LON. They guided policy - the LON needed their support. Both were poorly placed to take on this role. Both were weakened by WW1 – neither were the power of old.

Many British MP’s said they would not have voted to join if they knew the US wouldn’t have joined. Both had other priorities – Britain wanted to rebuild trade links and look after the Empire. France’s main concern was still Germany; felt the LON needed an army to protect them

From a menu card for a banquet given by the LON From a menu card for a banquet given by the LON. This shows the hopes for the league and one of its figures, Briand, as Moses. (Les Etata unis d’Europe – the promise land of Europe)

Aristide Briand was a French Politician who served several terms as Prime Minister of France and won the Nobel Peace Prize.

TASKS List the strengths and weaknesses of the league (as much as you know!!) France proposed an army for the LON. Why do you think most people opposed this?