League of Nations

Definition

The League of Nations was an international organization established after World War I with the goal of maintaining world peace. However, it failed largely because many major powers did not join or participate effectively.

Related terms

Collective Security: A system in which states pledge mutual defense against any member who threatens peace; this was one principle behind the formation of the League of Nations.

Woodrow Wilson’s Fourteen Points: A proposal by President Woodrow Wilson outlining his vision for ending WWI peacefully and preventing future wars; the League of Nations was part of this plan.

Kellogg-Briand Pact: An international agreement, signed by most major nations in 1928, to renounce war as an instrument of national policy; it reflected the same ideals as the League of Nations but also failed to prevent WWII.