Featured in Issues & Controversies in American History:
The Pros and Cons of U.S. Membership

After World War I ended in 1918, the victorious powers negotiated a treaty that established the League of Nations, a global peacekeeping organization. More than 40 countries would soon join the new organization, but one major country did not: the United States. Opponents of the United States joining the League of Nations argued that U.S. membership would draw the country into foreign wars against its interests. Supporters of the United States joining the League of Nations denied this, however, and argued that U.S. membership would help prevent another devastating war. Opponents and supporters of U.S. membership in the League of Nations clashed when ratification of the treaty came up for a vote in the U.S. Senate in 1919.

Let your students get the facts and decide for themselves: Should the United States join the League of Nations? Or would U.S. membership be contrary to U.S. interests? Be sure to check out Issues & Controversies in American History’s clear and unbiased examination of the arguments surrounding the League of Nations.

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