The UN: Global Organization of Peace
The destruction left behind after World War 2 was so
vast, so horrifying, that the world community vowed that mankind should never
again engage in total global war. World War 2 had lasted for 5 years. Over a
hundred million people lost their lives, many millions more we're injured, lost
family members, or lost their homes. Entire cities were destroyed, and many
countries would never be the same again.
And there was a terrible new weapon available for
any future wars: the atomic bomb. The atomic bomb was many times more powerful
than normal bombs, capable of an explosion that could destroy an entire city.
There had to be, many world leaders thought, a promise never to go to war
again.
In 1945, in San Francisco, leaders of almost every
country worldwide, met to try and figure out away to cooperate. The solution
they came up with was called the United Nations. The UN is a group made up of
almost every country in the world. Whenever there are world problems, problems
between two countries, or problems that are too big for one country to solve on
its own, the UN will meet. Prime Ministers, Presidents, Kings, and Queen all
meet together at UN headquarters in New York City, and they talk out their
problems. The belief is, that by talking things out, much fighting, and much
bloodshed can be avoided. If problems can be solved before they get worse, then
the whole world will be better off?
Has it worked?
In the 60 years since the UN was formed, the world
has not come anywhere close to another conflict like World War 1, or World War
2. The UN has faced many problems, and it has not handled everything perfectly
- it does have pretty complicated mission after all - but it has largely
succeeded in what it set out to do.
Over the years, the UN has taken on new roles. It
aims to reduce poverty, to rid the world of disease, to protect ancient and
historical landmarks around the world, and to work towards the education of all
children worldwide.
Was the UN a good idea? You decide.
