League of Nations Société des Nations  (French)
1920–1946
Headquarters of League of Nations at Geneva, Switzerland
Status	Intergovernmental organisation
Capital	Geneva, Switzerland
Administrative center	Geneva, Switzerland
Common languages	French and English
Secretary‑General
• 1920–33	Sir Eric Drummond
• 1933–40	Joseph Avenol
• 1940–46	Seán Lester
Deputy Secretary-General
• 1919–23	Jean Monnet
• 1923–33	Joseph Avenol
• 1937–40	Seán Lester
Historical era	Interwar period
•	10 January 1920
• First meeting	16 January 1920
•	20 April 1946
Succeeded by United Nations
The headquarters were based from 1 November 1920 in the Palais Wilson in Geneva, Switzerland and from 17 February 1936 in the purpose built Palace of Nations, also in Geneva.

The League of Nations (French: Société des Nations) was the predecessor to the United Nations. The League was founded in 1920, after World War I, but failed to maintain peace and prevent World War II. The League had a Council of the great powers and an Assembly of all of its member countries.

The League of Nations was thought up by US President Woodrow Wilson during World War I. It was to be a group of nations that worked together to keep peace. One of the reasons for its downfall was that, after a vote, the US Senate refused to join.