Why didn't the united states participate in the league of nations
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/wilson/portrait/wp_league.html
In my opinion, it was pretty much like the "health care" debate going on now between the Senate and the President. It is not now so much about revising health care, as it is about the next congressional elections.
Wilson and Henry Cabot Lodge were bitter enemies, Lodge greatly loved the results of the 1918 elections, in which Lodge and Republicans saw a glimmer of hope of "destroying" the President. This was the main reason. Lodge used isolation arguments in his interpretation of Article 10 (America shouldn't get involved), ut the real reason for the Senate defeating it, was Lodges hatred for the Democrat Wilson, and his vision that defeat would help the Republicans. It did, Republicans held power through the next ten years until the Great Economic collapse.
http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/People_Leaders_Lodge.htm
The United States did not participate in the League of Nations due to a combination of factors. The League of Nations was established in 1920 after World War I with the intention of promoting international cooperation and preventing future conflicts. However, several key reasons led to the United States not joining:
1. Congressional Opposition: The U.S. Constitution grants the power to make treaties to the President, but it requires a two-thirds majority of the Senate to ratify them. Many senators were skeptical about relinquishing any amount of American sovereignty to an international organization like the League of Nations. Fierce opposition from a group of senators, known as the "Irreconcilables," coupled with concerns about potential loss of national sovereignty and the ability to make independent decisions, led to the Senate rejecting the Treaty of Versailles, which included membership in the League.
2. Desire for Isolationism: After World War I, there was a prevailing sentiment among many Americans that the country should avoid entangling alliances and remain isolated from the affairs of other nations. This was further fueled by the devastating loss of life and resources during the war. Many Americans believed that participating in the League of Nations would inevitably involve the United States in future conflicts that were not directly related to its national interests.
3. Presidential Opposition: Even President Woodrow Wilson, who was a strong advocate for establishing the League, faced opposition from within his own party and the general public. After failing to gain Senate approval for the Treaty of Versailles, Wilson suffered a stroke and was unable to effectively campaign for the League's cause. With his leadership weakened, the League of Nations became a polarizing issue, and his successor, President Warren G. Harding, did not pursue membership.
To answer this question, it is crucial to understand the historical context, including the political climate, public opinion, and the challenges faced by President Wilson in promoting the League of Nations.