“I have never had but one allegiance—I cannot divide it now. I have loved but one flag and I cannot share that devotion and give

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2 years ago

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“I have never had but one allegiance—I cannot divide it now. I have loved but one flag and I cannot share that devotion and give

affection to the mongrel banner invented for a league. Internationalism, illustrated by the Bolshevik and by the men to whom all countries are alike provided they can make money out of them, is to me repulsive. “National I must remain, and in that way I like all other Americans can render the amplest service to the world. The United States is the world's best hope, but if you fetter her in the interests and quarrels of other nations, if you tangle her in the intrigues of Europe, you will destroy her power for good and endanger her very existence . . . . We would not have our country's vigour exhausted or her moral force abated, by everlasting meddling and muddling in every quarrel, great and small, which afflicts the world.” –Henry Cabot Lodge August 1919 What effect does Lodge suggest US membership in the League of Nations might have? Membership might weaken the United States’ vigor and moral force. Membership might promote bolshevism. Membership might produce greater profits for the United States. Membership might force the United States to choose a new flag.

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