The league of nations, an Introduction Accompanied Readings: League of Nations and UNO (6-18)

The Idea behind the League Versailles Treaty set up the League Created to give leaders from all the countries of the world somewhere to talk over their differences People hoped that this would make wars less likely, especially if the strongest countries agreed to cut back weapons and soldiers Covenant of the LON was included in TOV The League existed in Geneva, Switzerland from 1920-1946

League membership numbers 42 countries joined the League when it started in 1920 and others joined later (50) Headquarters were in Geneva Switzerland where member countries would send their representatives When nations entered the League they promised to settle their quarrels without using arms

The League was to rely on collective security to maintain the peace. Collective security can only exist if the collective is more powerful than those on the outside. With the USA, Germany, and USSR outside, it was impossible for the LON to provide collective security

The Promise Members Made Will endeavor to maintain fair and humane conditions of labour for men, women, and children in all countries. Undertake to ensure just treatment of native inhabitants. Supervise the trafficking of the drug trade. Supervise the trade in arms and ammunition. Will secure and maintain freedom of communications and transit. Will endeavor to prevent and control disease. Attack child and female prostitution rings operating internationally

Structure of the LON General Assembly: Where member countries would meet Council: Dealt with specific problems Secretariat: Daily business of the LON, paperwork. International Court of Justice: Where countries go when they break the rules.

How the League Could React Sanctions The league could do three things in the event of a dispute. verbal sanctions: a verbal warning with possible consequences. economic sanctions: financially hit the aggressor to make them do what the League wanted. physical sanctions: military force used to enforce the Leagues decisions.

Economic Sanctions: Boycott: stop buying and selling certain items. Sanction: increase the boycott to most items. Embargo: Stop all but food and medicine

Could they take military Action? The LON was not allowed to take military action. Geneva Protocols (1924): Nations could use force in self-defence or in service to the League. This alarmed member states, particularly Canada, because they didn’t want to fight in a far off place Protocols defeated

Not all great powers belonged Germany and Russia weren’t allowed to join (1920) US didn’t join either. To ratify(accept) a treaty requires 2/3 vote of the US Senate. Wilson was a Democrat, and the Senate was controlled by Republicans. Senate didn’t ratify TOV. The USA returned to its policy of “isolationism.”