Born from the ashes of World War I, the League of Nations aimed to prevent future global conflicts. Woodrow Wilson's brainchild, established in 1920, envisioned a world where nations resolved disputes through diplomacy and collective security. Its structure included an Assembly for all member states and a Council with permanent members like Great Britain and France.
Initially, the League achieved some successes. It resolved border disputes, aided refugees, and tackled global health issues. However, its weaknesses soon became apparent. The absence of the United States, crucial for economic and military power, undermined its authority. The League's inability to enforce its decisions, coupled with the rise of aggressive regimes in the 1930s, proved fatal. The invasions of Manchuria and Abyssinia exposed its powerlessness.
Ultimately, the League of Nations failed to prevent World War II. Despite its shortcomings, it laid the groundwork for the United Nations, which learned from its predecessor's mistakes. The League's legacy remains a complex one: a testament to humanity's desire for peace, but a stark reminder of the challenges in achieving it.
