The United Nations Gets to Work

On September 2nd, 1945, World War II officially came to an end when Japan surrendered on board of the American ship, USS Missouri, in Tokyo Bay. There were many problems for the international organization to solve. Most of Europe, as well as Japan, and parts of China lay in ruins. Carpet bombing had effectively destroyed cities and industrial plants in various parts of the world, notably London, Berlin and Tokyo. The truths of the genocide were finally becoming apparent, and there were millions of displaced persons around the world. World War II was fought on such a large and horrific scale that it is difficult to accurately measure the death toll. Nevertheless, it is estimated that over fifty million people died. Many people also died as a consequence of the war, since famine and diseases were wide-spread. With the apparition of the atomic bomb, a weapon of mass destruction, which was sent by the USA against the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, a Third World War would most likely be even more disastrous than any other war in history. Therefore, it was primordial for this newborn international organization to make sure that, first of all, such atrocities never take place again, and secondly that world order be restored.

All bold words are defined in the Glossary. Click here to go to the Glossary

The Charter of the United Nations was signed by delegates of 50 countries on April 25th 1945 in San Francisco, USA. These countries became known as the founding members of the United Nations. Later on, Poland became the 51st founding member. Naturally, some arguments took place; the Soviet Union and the United States of America feared an organization which could potentially be more powerful than they were. Part of the reason that San Francisco was chosen as the city where this event should take place was that it might mitigate some of the American people’s suspicion. Without their support, the American government would have been reluctant to join, and the United Nations would have been as unsuccessful as the League of Nations. Also, some British people feared that the UN would cause the UK to lose control over its colonies. On top of that, small nations rightfully felt that they would not be treated equally with the more powerful nations which were given veto power. Nevertheless, many small nations agreed to sign the Charter because they felt that it would allow them to project their voice to the world.

The United Nations was finally created on October 24th, 1945, when the Charter was ratified by the governments of the founding nations. The first General Assembly took place in London, England, on January 10th, 1946. Then, the Security Council met for the first time seven days later. The United Nations’ first resolution was passed on January 24th, 1946. It was meant to control weapons of mass destruction, notably the atomic bomb.

At this point, the United Nations still did not have a permanent location. The Cornerstone for the UN’s Headquarters was laid in New York City on October 24th, 1949.