Student Question
Why did Senator Borah believe the U.S. should refuse to join the League of Nations?
Quick answer:
Senator Borah opposed the U.S. joining the League of Nations because he believed it would negatively impact American foreign policy. Borah was concerned that membership would obligate the U.S. to take actions recommended by the League, potentially against national interests or involving issues irrelevant to the U.S. He felt the U.S. should focus on its own issues rather than becoming entangled in international matters through alliances like the League.
Senator Borah earned the nickname “the Great Opposer” because he was against many ideas. One of the things he opposed was the ratification of the Treaty of Versailles that would have had the United States join the League of Nations. Senator Borah was concerned that joining the League of Nations would be similar to joining an alliance. There was a provision in the charter of the League of Nations that would have required member nations to commit to actions recommended by the League of Nations. Senator Borah believed this would have impacted American foreign policy negatively. It could require the United States to take an action that wasn’t in our best interests or to take an action about something that had no effect or interest to us. Senator Borah felt it was better for the United States to deal with our own issues instead of getting involved in situations that had little or no effect on us. Thus, Senator Borah opposed the Versailles Treaty and the United States joining the League of Nations.
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