"The Members of the League undertake to respect and preserve as against external aggression the territorial integrity and existing political independence of all Members of the League. In case of any such aggression or in any threat or danger of such aggression the Council shall advise upon the means by which this obligation shall be fulfilled."
— Article 10 of the Covenant of the League of Nations, 1919
Which of the following arguments was the primary basis for the United States Senate's rejection of the treaty containing this article?
- Opponents argued that the commitment to collective security would undermine Congress's constitutional authority to declare war.Answer
- BOpponents believed that the article would restrict the United States from maintaining its unilateral trade policies in East Asia.
- COpponents feared that the League would force the United States to intervene in colonial rebellions in territories acquired during the Spanish-American War.
- DOpponents asserted that the article would establish a permanent military alliance with Latin American nations to enforce the Monroe Doctrine.
Answer
Opponents argued that the commitment to collective security would undermine Congress's constitutional authority to declare war.
The correct answer is correct because the central point of contention for both the 'Reservationists' led by Henry Cabot Lodge and the 'Irreconcilables' was that Article 10 of the League of Nations Covenant committed the U.S. to defend other members against aggression. They argued this collective security provision would override the U.S. Constitution, which vests the sole power to declare war in Congress.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The political debate over the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations in the United States Senate.
Estimated Time:1m 30s