State Historical Society of Iowa

"League of Nations" Speech by Henry Cabot Lodge, 1919 (Audio)

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Courtesy of Library of Congress, Lodge, Henry Cabot, "League of Nations," 1919

Description

This recorded speech is by Henry Cabot Lodge, a U.S. congressman from Massachusetts and opponent of Wilson's policies from the outbreak of war. Senator Lodge, who chaired the US Foreign Relations Committee wanted the US to join the Allies early and desired to see Germany punished for their actions at the end of the conflict. As the main reservationist Lodge was open to joining the League and ratifying the Treaty of Versailles, if amendments were added. One of the main issues for reservationists centered around article 10 and the fear that US troops would be deployed around the world.

Transcript of Henry Cabot Lodge's "League of Nations" Speech

Source Dependent Questions

  • When was the document written? What was the purpose of Lodge's speech?
  • What role did Henry Cabot Lodge state America should play in world affairs with his "America First" argument? How did this lead to a retreat from global interactions? How was this different from the arguments used in Wilson's Pueblo speech?
  • According to Senator Lodge, how would involvement in the League of Nations weaken America? What ideals did Senator Lodge would be harmed by the U.S. involvement in the League of Nations?
  • Given the United States did not join the League of Nations, Senator Lodge's arguments proved more persuasive. In your opinion why were Lodge's arguments more successful? Use evidence from this and another source.

Citation Information

Lodge, Henry Cabot, "League of Nations," 1919. Courtesy of Library of Congress Courtesy of Library of Congress