Reading Assignment 5
1) How did Lodge defend his argument?
Lodge was against the use of US forces in every crisis and in favor of upholding the principles of
the US Constitution. Lodge reiterated to the Senate that Article X violated the core principles of
the Constitution. Lodge also held the opinion that the US should not get involved in international
conflicts and should only defend its own interests. According to Lodge, US soldiers and sailors
cannot be sent to fight overseas "unless by the constitutional authorities of the United States."
He was not opposed to a postwar treaty or even League of Nations membership, but he could
not accept international obligations that violated the Constitution. He possessed the moral
courage to openly and vehemently reject the agreement with a foreign body that would compel
the United States of America to go to war.
2) Do you find the argument persuasive?
Yes, I believe the case is strong because the main issue raised by Lodge against the League of
Nations was Article X, which required all signatory states to retaliate against any form of assault
upon the League's orders. Lodge declined to make a flexible commitment that would have given
the League's demands precedence over the needs of the United States for national security. He
made it clear that Congress had to approve any intervention because the Senate could not
directly agree to wage fictitious wars through a treaty.
