League of Nations archives

Archives Reading Room detail

Bundesarchiv Bild 102-00678, Genf.- Haus des Völkerbundrates

1927 British issued Nansen identity certificate

League of Nations Archives

The League of Nations Archives represents a significant collection of documents, publications, photographs, and other materials related to the League of Nations, which was an international organization founded after the First World War with the aim of maintaining world peace. The archives are of immense historical value, providing insights into the diplomatic, social, and economic efforts undertaken to prevent another global conflict and to address issues ranging from health and refugee crises to disarmament and international disputes.

History

The League of Nations was established on 10 January 1920, following the ratification of the Treaty of Versailles. Its primary goals were to prevent wars through collective security and disarmament and to settle international disputes through negotiation and arbitration. Despite its eventual failure to prevent the Second World War, the League of Nations laid the groundwork for the modern United Nations and its various specialized agencies.

The archives of the League of Nations were maintained meticulously throughout its existence, documenting its efforts, achievements, and shortcomings. After the dissolution of the League in 1946, its archives were transferred to the United Nations, which continues to preserve them as a crucial part of world heritage.

Contents

The League of Nations Archives contains a wide array of materials, including:

• Official Documents: Minutes of meetings, reports, and resolutions from the League's various bodies, such as the Assembly, the Council, and the Permanent Court of International Justice.
• Correspondence: Letters and memos between League officials, member states, and other entities.
• Publications: Official publications of the League, including the League of Nations Official Journal, statistical yearbooks, and health reports.
• Photographs and Maps: Visual documentation of League activities, including its humanitarian efforts and geographical surveys.
• Personal Papers: Documents belonging to notable figures within the League, offering personal insights into its operations.

Significance

The League of Nations Archives is an invaluable resource for researchers and historians, providing a comprehensive view of the interwar period and the international community's efforts to address the challenges of the time. The archives not only shed light on the political and diplomatic history of the early 20th century but also on the social and economic dimensions of global governance.

Access and Preservation

The United Nations Office at Geneva is the custodian of the League of Nations Archives. In recognition of its historical significance, the archives were inscribed on UNESCO's Memory of the World Register in 2009. Efforts have been made to digitize the archives, making them accessible to a global audience and ensuring their preservation for future generations.

See Also

• United Nations
• Treaty of Versailles
• International Peace and Security
• Interwar Period
• Memory of the World Register

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