The formation and Covenant of the League of Nations

• When was the agreement to form a League made?

  1918
• What did President Wilson envision for the League of Nations?

  A world parliament for all nations
• How did British leaders differ in their vision for the League of Nations compared to Wilson?

  They preferred a simple organization for emergencies
• What was France's proposal for the League of Nations?

  A strong League with its own army
• Who took personal charge of drawing up plans for the League in 1919?

  President Wilson
• What was included in Wilson's ambitious plan for the League?

  All major nations would join and disarm
• What was the Covenant in relation to the League of Nations?

  Agreement to protect each other if invaded
• What would happen if a member broke the Covenant and went to war?

  Other members would stop trading and send troops
• What was Wilson's hope regarding citizens' attitudes towards war?

  Citizens would oppose conflicts to prevent war
• How did Wilson's style affect the perception of his plans?

  His arrogant style raised doubts among politicians
• What was the general sentiment in Europe towards Wilson's suggestions?

  Most people were willing to give them a try
• What did people hope would prevent countries from invading others?

  Fear of trade sanctions and military intervention
• In what year were hopes high for the League with the USA involved?

  1919
• What were the key components of Wilson's plan for the League of Nations?

  • All major nations would join
  • Disarmament of member nations
  • Disputes to be taken to the League
  • Members promised to accept League decisions
  • Mutual protection against invasions (Covenant)
  • Sanctions and military action against aggressors
• What was necessary for the USA to join the League?

  Approval of Congress
• Why was the idea of joining the League unpopular in the USA?

  They wanted to avoid 'European entanglements'
• What did Wilson do to persuade the American public about joining the League?

  He toured the USA to present his arguments
• What was the outcome of Congress's vote on the League in 1919?

  Wilson was defeated in the vote
• What did Wilson do after being defeated in 1919 regarding the League?

  He proposed joining the League again in March 1920
• When did the League open for business?

  January 1920
• What was the significance of the empty American chair at the League's opening?

  It symbolized the USA's absence from the League
• How did Wilson feel about the USA not joining the League?

  It was a bitter disappointment for him
• What impact did the USA's absence have on the League?

  It was a body blow to the League
• Who were the most powerful countries in the League in the absence of the USA?

  Britain and France
• What role did Britain and France play in the League?

  They usually guided policy in the League
• Which countries were permanent members of the Council besides Britain and France?

  Italy and Japan
• Why were Britain and France poorly placed to lead the League?

  Both were weakened by the First World War
• What did some British politicians believe about the USA's role in the League?

  They believed the USA was essential for success
• What did British politicians think about trade sanctions?

  They believed they needed American support to work
• What was the main concern for France regarding the League?

  Protection against Germany
• How did France view the League's military capabilities?

  It considered the League too weak without an army
• What was Britain's priority over the League?

  Rebuilding British trade and the Empire
• How did France's concerns affect its commitment to the League?

  France was prepared to bypass the League if necessary
• What document laid out the League's structure and rules?

  The Covenant
• What was the role of the Secretariat in the League?

  It kept records and prepared reports
• What areas did the Secretariat cover?

  Health, disarmament, and economic matters
• How often did the Council meet?

  About five times a year and in emergencies
• Who were the permanent members of the Council in 1920?

  Britain, France, Italy, and Japan
• What was the term length for temporary members of the Council?

  Three years
• What power did each permanent member of the Council have?

  Each had a veto power