SAMPLE QUESTION

1. SAMPLE QUESTION Compare and contrast the peace keeping aims and methods of the League of Nations and the United Nations

2. Comparison • Similarities: Aims of both were to preserve peace, prevent war and respect national sovereignty Both worked to obtain disarmament Both organized after a major war to promote peace Both dominated by winning powers of major wars Both could use sanctions to halt aggression Both structured to foster debate rather than action Both toted the utopian concept of collective action Neither had a standing army Both had some successes in resolving disputes between smaller states Both had social and economic agencies to address underlying causes of war Both looked to consensus rather than mobilization to preserve peace See next slide for contrasts (differences)

3. Contrast • Differences League never attempted to militarily halt invasions of weaker countries, UN only once in the Korean War with mixed results League never used peacekeeping forces, UN has on many occasions with some success League required unanimous vote in council, UN gave veto power to permanent members in council, a more confrontational structure U.S. rejected participation in the League but has exercised a strong leadership role in the United Nations, often promoting human rights. League headquarters was in neutral Switzerland. UN headquarters was established in New York City, a financial and trade center. League did not directly address issues of trade, a major cause of both world wars. UN promoted trade through the establishment of the World Bank and the IMF.