Membership of the League

The idea of the League of Nations was one where all countries joined in order to promote peace across the world. It was hoped that the United States would lead the way in the League and promote the ideas of peace and security across the world.

However, the idea of the League of Nations was very unpopular in the United States and President Wilson faced a tough sell to get support for the idea. In order to join the League of Nations, the US Congress, had to agree to join. The sell was difficult as many in the US felt that after the First World War, that the US should not get involved with European affairs. They did not believe that America should become the world’s policeman. Despite repeated attempts by Wilson to get the United States to join in with the League, each attempt was thwarted by the United States Congress.

Without the United States, the remaining powerful countries were Britain and France. As a result of this anything that the League of Nations did must have the approval of Britain and France. Despite being the most powerful nations in the League, the First World War damaged their capability to act. Both countries were military depleted and financially ruined. Without the United States their ability to act was severely restricted. A particular aspect which was difficult to apply was economic sanctions on other countries, as the United States was one of the most powerful economic nations.

To top off the difficulties in membership, both Britain and France had different international priorities. Britain was preoccupied with the maintenance of the Empire and France was more interested in Germany and making sure they paid their reparations. France worried that Britain would not support her if she had problems with Germany so would often go ahead without the League.