Why was the League of Nations Created? | History for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Why was the League of Nations Created? - Timeline & Summary

• The First World War, spanning from 1914 to 1918, witnessed a collision between twentieth-century technology and antiquated nineteenth-century warfare tactics. This clash resulted in devastating consequences, with an estimated 8.5 million military deaths and approximately 13 million civilian casualties. The widespread use of artillery, chemical warfare, and machine guns left an indelible mark on the world, prompting some political leaders to seek an end to war as a means of resolving national disputes.
• Woodrow Wilson, serving as President of the United States during this period, delivered a seminal address to Congress on 8th January 1918, known as the 14 Points speech. In this speech, Wilson articulated his vision for post-war Europe, which included several key principles:
  • Advocating for the principle of self-determination, whereby all national groups should have the right to their own country.
  • Calling for a policy of disarmament among nations to prevent future conflicts.
  • Emphasizing the importance of open diplomacy and discouraging the use of secret treaties.
  • Proposing the removal of trade barriers and fostering economic cooperation between nations.
• Central to Wilson's vision was the establishment of the League of Nations, an international organization aimed at promoting peace and preventing future conflicts. The League's objectives included:
  • Resolving disputes between nations through diplomacy and mediation to prevent armed conflicts.
  • Working towards global disarmament to reduce the likelihood of war.
  • Promoting free trade among nations to stimulate economic growth and prosperity.
  • Improving living standards worldwide through international cooperation and assistance.
• Wilson's 14 Points and the establishment of the League of Nations reflected a concerted effort to address the underlying causes of war and build a more peaceful and cooperative international order in the aftermath of the First World War.
• Wilson participated in the Paris Peace Conference of 1919 as part of the 'Big Three', where he advocated for the establishment of the League of Nations with universal membership. The Versailles Settlement, encompassing five treaties, incorporated the Covenant of the League of Nations.
• Commencing its peacemaking efforts on 10th January 1920, the League encountered skepticism from both Europe and the USA. European nations feared excessive interference or perceived weakness, while Americans, despite Wilson's idealism in proposing the League, adhered to isolationist policies post-World War I, precluding US membership.
• Despite initial achievements in the 1920s, the League ultimately failed to maintain global peace. Hitler's invasion of Poland on 1st September 1939 marked the onset of World War II, prompting debate among historians regarding the League's potential to avert the conflict. Some attribute its failure to broader global events like the Great Depression, while others argue for stronger action against Hitler's aggressive foreign policies.
• The League's shortcomings served as a lesson for world leaders, leading to the creation of the United Nations in 1945, aimed at preventing similar failures and fostering international cooperation.

Causes and Consequences of the League of Nations