The birth of the League Flashcards
What was the primary aim of the League of Nations?
To prevent another war
What did the League not have?
An army of its own
Why did the USA fail to join the League?
Congress voted against joining (twice: in 1919 and in 1920)
Why did some Americans oppose the joining the League?
- Some Americans, particularly those with German ancestors, hated the ToV
- Some feared that joining the League would mean sending troops to every conflict around the world
- Some feared sanctions would actually harm American business
- Some feared Britain and France would dominate (or that the USA would be asked to defend their empires)
Who won the US election in 1920?
Warren Harding (a Republican)
What was Warren Harding’s foreign policy stance?
He was isolationist
What does isolationism mean?
To not get involved in foreign affairs and only follow policies in America’s interest
What is a covenant?
An agreement
What were four main points of the Covenant of the LoN?
- discourage aggression
- encourage co-operation through business and trade
- encourage disarmament
- to improve the living and working conditions of people around the world
What did Article 10 guarantee?
The principle of collective security
What is meant by collective security?
That countries would work together to prevent war