Materials

• Primary documents related to United States participation in the League of Nations

Instructional Activities

1. Explain to students that the formation of the League of Nations was President Wilson’s final goal as President; however, he could not gain enough popular support in the U.S. for joining the League. This was because of a long-standing U.S. policy of isolationism. The U.S. Senate refused to ratify the Treaty of Versailles; therefore, the United States did not become a member of the League of Nations.
   
   
2. As a class exercise, have students examine documents of the period that support U.S. participation in the League of Nations and documents that speak out against participation. Such documents may be found at the following Web sites: First World War.Com at <http://www.firstworldwar.com/source/1919.htm> (address by President Wilson supporting the League and one by Henry Cabot Lodge opposing it); History Central.com, at <http://www.multied.com/documents/Wilson1919.html> (excerpt from (Woodrow Wilson’s Address to Congress in 1919). NOTE: Check the reading level of the documents before using them.
   
   
3. After they have read the documents, have students consider the main points that support each position. Create a t-chart on the board, and list the main points as the students point them out.
   
   
   
   
4. Once the chart is complete, discuss answers to the following questions:
   • Which argument do you feel is the most convincing?
   • Which argument do you feel is the least convincing?
   • Do you feel the United States made a mistake by not joining the League? (NOTE: Consider revisiting this question after discussion of the causes of WWII.)
   • Do you see the United States as isolationist today? Is it still possible to be isolationist in today’s world?