jan 13, 1920 - Why did the US not join the LON?

Description:

Back in the US, Wilson had a problem. Before the US could even join the league, let alone take the leading role, Wilson needed approval from Congress (the American parliament). In the US, the idea of the League was not popular...

Reasons:
- The LON was supposed to enforce the TOV, and many Americans (particularly the millions with German heritage) despised the TOV.
- If the LON imposed sanctions (stopping trade with a country that was behaving aggressively), it might be American trade and businesses that suffer the most
- Some feared that joining the LON meant sending US soldiers to settle every little conflict around the world, and no one wanted that after the casualties of WW1.
- Some feared that the LON would be dominated by Britain and France and would be called to help defend their empires/colonies, many Americans were against empires/colonies.

In 1920 Wilson became very ill after a stroke, however, he continued to press the US to join the LON. He took the proposal back to congress in March 1920, but was defeated by 49 votes to 35 votes. Democrats were not giving up though, and said that if the US did not get involved in international affairs another world war would possibly follow. In the 1920 elections, Wilson could not run for president as he was too ill, but his successor made membership of the LON a major part of the democrat campaign. The republican candidate Warren Harding, campaigned for America to be isolationist (to not be involved in international alliances). His slogan "return to normalcy" meant life before the war when America was not involved with European affairs, and was very popular.

The Republicans won, and the US did not join the LON, this was a huge blow to the LON.

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