Wilson's League Of Nations example essay topic

While under the presidency of Woodrow Wilson, the aftermath of World War One seemed to be more difficult than the war itself for the United States. After the war had been over, Wilson, along with the other members of the Big Four needed a solution for Germany's punishment and for means to maintain peace among the nations of the world. In his Fourteen Points, Wilson had hoped to have the answer to the world's problems with solutions such as freedom of the seas and a League of Nations. According to Wilson, the League of Nations was made to protect all members of it, and keep the peace among all countries. When Wilson went before the Big Four, he had hoped to include this League of Nations in the Treaty of Versailles, which at that time was supposed to be the solution to World War One. However, Wilson came across some difficulties in trying to accomplish this.

Not only was the strength of the opposition forces the reason for the defeat of the Treaty of Versailles, but both that and Wilson's stubborness equally led to the Senate's defeat of the treaty. The strength of the opposition forces in Congress partially caused the defeat of the treaty because of their strength in numbers. Because Wilson was alone in presenting his League of Nations, he was's everly outnumbered by his oppositions. Congress, both the liberals and conservatists, had fear of the League of Nations because it would prevent the U.S. from acheiving isolationism. As shown in Document A, everything that is significant to the people of the U.S. "shall be submitted to a tribunal created other than by our own people" and will take away their own decisions as a government.

Because many saw this as a threat to our society, many objected to Wilson's League of Nations. The League of Nations did "much to intensify and nothing to heal the old and ugly dissensions" (Document B), and everyone except Wilson saw that. Because Wilson had no support of his League of Nations, and no one on his side, he was overpowered by the majority of Congress who opposed the league. Just like DuBois says in Document H, "America was not represented", therefore the American people were not supportive of Wilson and his ideas. However, though Wilson's opposition was strong, his stubborness also contributed to the Senate's defeat of the treaty. Wilson's inappropriate stubborness also led to the Senate disapproval of the treaty, mainly because he would not compromise with them on Article 10.

Because Wilson gave the Senate a "my way or no way at all" approach, the Senate therefore chose no way at all. Wilson's stubborness about Article 10 proved to be worthless, because under all conditions, the Senate has complete control over what goes and what doesn't, as seen in Document E. Had Wilson been willing to negotiate over the treaty, he would have been able to meet an understanding with the Senate. In Document G, when Wilson asks if Americans "want [their] country's honor vindicated and the Treaty ratified?" he is telling them that the only way for Americans to have homage is for them to support the League of Nations. His 8,000 mile tour and even his stroke during his ratification debate showed his stubborness, and didn't allow for the Senate to make their provisions on Article 10. Since the Senate has so much power, if they cannot put their own provisions in on something, then no one can. Wilson's foolish stubborness amounted to nothing but his death, and because of that he was unable to get the treaty with only his provisions ratified by the Senate.

Not only after World War One did the League of Nations receive no support, but even today, the United Nations plays little if no role in American affairs. Americans want to be in control of what they do, and do not want to be forced to do things against their will. President Bush has decided that America does not need approval from anyone, and that we must take matters into our own hands. Like the League of Nations then, the United Nations today receive no American approval.