Origins and Aims of the League of Nations

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Questions and Answers

What is the League of Nations?

An international organization established after World War 1 to preserve world peace by preventing future wars, settling disputes through negotiations, and providing protection to weaker countries.

What did the Second World War (1939) prove?

The League of Nations was a failure.

Once the Second World War ended in 1945, the League of Nations became what?

The United Nations.

Was Woodrow Wilson the only person who promoted the establishment of the League of Nations?

False Signup and view all the answers

What does LEP stand for?

League to Enforce Peace. Signup and view all the answers

What did LEP propose?

Participating nations should jointly use their economic and military force against any member that goes to war or commits acts of hostility. Signup and view all the answers

Where was the British League of Nations Society founded?

London. Signup and view all the answers

Which statesmen committed themselves to the League of Nations throughout their lives?

Robert Cecil, Leon Bourgeois, Paul Hymans, and Jan Smuts. Signup and view all the answers

Who published a treaty entitled 'The League of Nations: A Practical Suggestion'?

Jan Smuts. Signup and view all the answers

Woodrow Wilson was known as what?

One of the strongest advocates for the League of Nations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the League of Nations Covenant?

The list of rules by which the League would operate. Signup and view all the answers

At the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, who made up the multinational commission to set up the League of Nations Covenant?

Two representatives from the USA (including Woodrow Wilson), Britain, France, Italy, and Japan, together with representatives from Belgium, China, Portugal, and Serbia. Signup and view all the answers

What happened on April 11th, 1919?

The commission accepted a draft covenant written by Cecil Hurst and David Miller. Signup and view all the answers

What did Woodrow Wilson suggest be included in the peace treaties that emerged from the Paris Peace Conference?

He insisted that the League of Nations Covenant be included. Signup and view all the answers

What did Woodrow Wilson do while he was ill?

He traveled around the US to convince the public of the League of Nations' importance. Signup and view all the answers

When was the League of Nations formally established?

On 28 June 1919 by Part 1 of the Treaty of Versailles. Signup and view all the answers

What did each member have to do?

They had to sign the Covenant. Signup and view all the answers

What were the aims of the League of Nations?

To prevent future wars, administer post-war peace settlements, and promote international cooperation. Signup and view all the answers

Aim 1: Prevent future war.

It included promoting disarmament, abolishing secret diplomacy, agreeing to arbitration, and developing collective security. Signup and view all the answers

Aim 2: Administering the post-war settlement.

Arranging plebiscites and organizing mandates. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

League of Nations Overview

An international organization founded after World War I aimed at preserving world peace.
Intended to prevent future wars, mediate disputes, and support weaker nations against aggression.

League's Efficacy

The onset of World War II demonstrated the League's failure to maintain peace.

Transition to United Nations

Following World War II in 1945, the League of Nations was succeeded by the United Nations.

Support for Establishment

Woodrow Wilson was a key advocate but not the only supporter of the League's establishment.

League to Enforce Peace (LEP)

Established in 1915 in New York by notable citizens, including former President William Howard Taft.
Proposed joint economic and military action against member nations that engaged in war or hostility.

British League of Nations Society

Founded in London as part of the broader advocacy for the League.

Lifelong Advocates

Notable statesmen committed to the League included Robert Cecil, Leon Bourgeois, Paul Hymans, and Jan Smuts.

Jan Smuts' Contribution

Published 'The League of Nations: A Practical Suggestion' advocating for the League.

Woodrow Wilson's Advocacy

Recognized as a major proponent of the League, eventually winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1919.

Covenant of the League

The League operated under a set of rules known as the Covenant.

Establishment of the Covenant

At the 1919 Paris Peace Conference, a multinational commission, including representatives from key nations, drafted the Covenant.

Draft Acceptance

On April 11, 1919, the commission accepted a draft covenant with minor amendments, with further changes in 1924.

Inclusion in Peace Treaties

Wilson insisted the League of Nations Covenant be part of the peace treaties emerging from the Paris Peace Conference.

Wilson's Advocacy During Illness

While ill, Wilson traveled the U.S. to promote the League's importance both domestically and globally.

Formal Establishment Date

The League of Nations was formally established on June 28, 1919, as Part 1 of the Treaty of Versailles with 42 founding member states.

Member Obligations

Each member was required to sign the Covenant, outlining the League's structure and operational methods.

Aims of the League

The primary goals included preventing future war, managing post-war peace settlements, and promoting international cooperation.

Preventing Future War

Aimed at avoiding conflicts like WWI by:
- Promoting disarmament (Article 8).
- Abolishing secret diplomacy (Article 18).
- Encouraging arbitration for dispute resolution (Article 13).
- Establishing collective security (Article 16) for member nations.

Administering Post-War Settlements

Included arranging plebiscites (e.g., Saar Valley issue) and organizing mandates for territories post-war.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the foundational concepts and objectives of the League of Nations, an international organization formed after World War I. Through flashcards, you will explore the League's role in promoting peace and resolving disputes, as well as its historical significance in the context of the Second World War.