Chapter 5 The United Nations
Why do we have the UN?
• After World War I, the League of Nations was created to prevent another world war.
• During World War II, the League of Nations was eliminated because it failed to prevent another
war.
• In 1945, with the end of WWII nearing, the United Nations was created to replace the failed
League of Nations.
History of the United Nations
• In 1945, San Francisco hosted the UN Conference
• There were 50 countries represented at the UN Conference including: United States, France,
United Kingdom, Soviet Union (now Russia), and China.
• These five countries are known as the “Permanent Five” members.
What does the United Nations Do?
• The UN was created to maintain international peace and security.
• Maintain friendly relationships between countries.
• It works to promote economic development of member nations.
UN Membership & Headquarters
• Almost all countries are members of the UN.
• 193 countries in the UN.
• The headquarters is in New York City.
• The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is located in The Hague in the Netherlands.
Organs of the United Nations
• The General Assembly – the ‘town meeting’ of the world.
o Every member nation has a seat at the General Assembly.
o Brings up international issues that they want the Security Council to deal with
o Holds elections for Security Council members and other leaders
• UN Security Council – maintains world peace (most powerful branch)
o Made up of 15 countries:
▪ The “Permanent Five” countries
▪ 10 non-permanent countries (elected every two years)
o The strong-arm of the UN
o Maintains international peace
o How does it do this:
▪ Recommends peaceful negotiations (peace talks)
▪ Can use Economic Sanctions
▪ Can use Military Sanctions
• Economic and Social Council – works with the UN’s economic, cultural, health and educational
activities.
• Trusteeship Council – territories
• ICJ – International Court of Justice
• The Secretariat – administrative duties and can bring any topic before the SC.
▪ Sanctions
o Used to punish a country for violating international law. Force a country to follow a
law.
o In order for sanctions to be used by the UN Security Council, ALL FIVE permanent
members must have a unanimous vote.
• Diplomatic Sanctions – removal of all political ties (like embassies)
• Economic Sanctions – ban on all trade with a country (except food)
• Military Sanctions – using a military to force compliance.
o UN Peacekeepers – a group of armed soldiers sent to an aggressive area to promote
peace.
▪ These soldiers maintain peace.
