The League of Nations was formed in January 1920 after World War 1 to promote international cooperation and preserve peace. It held its first meeting in a Swiss hotel in 1919 with diplomats from over 32 countries. The idea of an international organization to avoid war had been proposed as early as 1905, but it was not until after the massive destruction of WW1 that world leaders seriously considered establishing such a body. The League's headquarters was located in Geneva, Switzerland.