What role did France play in the League of Nations after World War I?

France played a significant role in the League of Nations after World War I, both as one of the founding members and as a leading proponent of collective security and international cooperation. The League of Nations was established in 1920, with the goal of promoting peace and preventing future wars through diplomatic means.

France, which had been one of the major combatants in the First World War and had suffered greatly in terms of lives and resources, was a strong advocate for the League's mission. French Prime Minister Georges Clemenceau played a key role in the Treaty of Versailles negotiations, which established the League, and France was one of the five permanent members of the League's Council.

France sought to use the League as a means of guaranteeing its security in the face of a resurgent Germany. In this regard, France pushed for the League to adopt a more aggressive stance towards Germany, including the imposition of heavy reparations and the demilitarization of the Rhineland. France also sought to build a network of alliances with other League members, particularly in eastern Europe, to counterbalance German power.

Despite France's efforts, the League ultimately failed to prevent the outbreak of the Second World War, largely due to the failure of major powers such as the United States, Britain, and the Soviet Union to fully support its mission. Nevertheless, France's role in the League of Nations marked a significant effort to promote collective security and international cooperation in the aftermath of the devastating First World War.