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Paris Peace Conference
During the Paris Peace Conference of 1919 following the end of World War II, the Treaty of Versailles was produced. Within this Treaty, a provision was included for the creation of the League of Nations (Veatch, 2006a). Canada attended this peace conference as a part of the British Empire and would become a founding member of the League the following year (Lloyd 2013, 171). -
The League's First Assembly
Attending the League's first assembly were president of the Privy Council and delegate, Newton Rowell, and Sir Herbert Aimes who served as the financial director in the league's secretariat (Veatch, 2006a; Page 1978, 34). -
The League of Nations Establishment
In 1920, the League of Nations was fully established and 63 countries became members. Despite American President Woodrow Wilson's instrumental role in the creation of the League, the United States did not become a member due to the political climate at the time (Veartz, 2006a). This lack of membership by the US is said to have deprived the League of any significant power or influence. -
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Canada's Resistance to Collective Security
During the years 1920 to 1923, the Canadian government sought to remove Article 10's guarantees from the League. Article 10 dictated that a union was to be made among all members and any act of aggression on one state would enact collective security. The Canadian government feared that collective security, although its purpose was to avoid wars, would bring Canada into another European War. (Veatch, 2006a) -
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The League of Nations Society in Canada
A Canadian society that focused on promoting international peacekeeping practices by branching a relationship between the public and the League of Nations. This was was means to build support the League shortly after the end of World War I as a way to move towards international peace (Page 1978, 37-8). With its headquarters in Ottawa, the Society operated until 1942 and was the first Canadian organization to educate and encourage interest on international affairs (Veatch, 2006b). -
Educational Intervention
With the goal of implementing peacekeeping ideologies on an international scale, the League of Nations created an educational intervention in 1923. The League requested that member states create educational programs to educate young students on the League itself and enforce notions of world solidarity. (Osborne 2018, 23) -
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Canada Serves on the Council
In 1927, Canada was elected to serve on the League's council for a 3 year term (Veatch, 2006a). Canada served alongside the League's five permanent members: Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Japan (Lloyd 2013, 172). Although Canada's accomplishments while on Council are not notable, this period marks a significant moment for Canadian international recognition (172). This notable moment may have also contributed to Prime Minister Mackenzie King's success in the 1928 election (187). -
Raoul Dandurand's Contributions
Raoul Dandurand was a Canadian representative on the council of the League of Nations. in 1929, he proposed that the League strengthening their oversights to minority groups, particularly linguistic and religious groups in Eastern Europe. This proposition was successful (Veatch, 2006a). -
League's Sanctions Against Italy
In the League's sanctions against Italy, Canada's position was supportive and Walter A. Riddell, Canada's delegate, proposed stopping the exports of certain resources to Italy. However, this proposal was highly unpopular with the Canadian public and Prime Minister King's government did not approve the action. (Veatch, 2006a)