NAME: WAMBWA HERBERT.

REG NO: 22/2/301/W/O60.

UNIT: TRANSFORMATION OF EUROPE

CODE: HST2203.

Q.1. Compare the aims of the Congress System of 1914-1915 and those of the Versailles Peace Treaty of
June 28th, 1919.

First and foremost, The Congress System of 1914-1915 refers to a series of diplomatic conferences held during
World War I among the major Allied powers, primarily the United Kingdom, France, and Russia. These
meetings aimed to coordinate military strategies, share intelligence, and solidify alliances to confront the
Central Powers, particularly Germany and Austria-Hungary. The congress system played a crucial role in
shaping the wartime policies of the Allies, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration. On the other hand, The
Versailles Peace Treaty of 1919 was a pivotal document that officially ended World War I. Convened at the
Palace of Versailles in France, the treaty was signed on June 28, 1919. The key players in the negotiations
included the Allied Powers, particularly the United States (represented by President Woodrow Wilson), the
United Kingdom (represented by Prime Minister David Lloyd George), and France (represented by Prime
Minister Georges Clemenceau). The treaty aimed to establish the terms for peace, hold the Central Powers
accountable for the war, and set the stage for the post-war reconstruction of Europe. In this discussion, I shall
exquisitely navigate through the comparison between the aims of the two undertakings as follows;

The Major aim of maintaining World Peace and Stability, Both in their primary objective, the Congress
System of 1914-1915 and the Versailles Peace Treaty of 1919 aimed at establishing and maintaining world
peace and stability. The congress meetings during World War I aimed to coordinate efforts among Allied
powers to defeat the Central Powers, and so did the Versailles Treaty sought to reorganize Europe to prevent
future conflicts thus acclimating to the same intention of maintaining world Peace and stability.

The rationale of restoring the balance of power, another similarity between the two moves, lies in their desire
to restore the balance of power in Europe. The Congress System recognized the need for a unified front against
German and Austro-Hungarian aggression, and the Versailles Treaty sought to redress the imbalance caused by
German aggression during World War I, Collectively both moves aimed at restoring the balance of power on
the European Continent.

The Quest to Preserve Territorial Integrity and Independence, Both initiatives sought to preserve the
territorial integrity and independence of European nations. The Congress System discussions included
considerations of post-war boundaries and arrangements, while the Versailles Treaty aimed to redraw the map
of Europe in a way that would safeguard nations from future invasions.

The angle of addressing Violation of Territorial Integrity, The Congress System, and the Versailles Treaty
were responses to the violation of territorial integrity that had contributed to the outbreak of World War I. They
aimed to rectify the grievances and establish a new order that would discourage such violations and prevent
diplomatic tensions.

The strong desire to Check on German Aggression, the Versailles Treaty just like the Congress system, both
recognized the need to check German aggression. While the Congress System focused on coordinating military
strategies during the war, the Versailles Treaty imposed punitive measures on Germany to ensure a period of
restraint and reconciliation. Hence both initiatives look similar in ideology.

The idea of disarmament of Powers, The initiatives shared the objective of disarmament to prevent future
conflicts. The Congress System addressed military coordination during the war, and the Versailles Treaty
included provisions for the disarmament of both the victor and defeated powers to avoid a repeat of the arms
race that had contributed to the outbreak of World War I.

Recognition of Nationalism and Self-Determination, the Congress System, and the Versailles Treaty both
recognized the principle of nationalism and self-determination. The treaties resulting from the Congress System
aimed to shape post-war arrangements respecting national aspirations, and the Versailles Treaty granted
independence to oppressed nations in line with the principle of self-determination.

Reconciliation of Warring Powers, Both initiatives sought reconciliation among the warring powers,
acknowledging the importance of healing diplomatic relations to ensure lasting peace. The Congress System
aimed to foster unity among the Allies during the war, and the Versailles Treaty included provisions for
diplomatic reconciliation, albeit with checks on Germany to limit further aggressions.

The campaign towards liberation of oppressed races, the Congress System, and the Versailles Treaty aimed
to free different races dominated by the Central Powers, particularly Germany and her allies. Both recognized
the importance of addressing the injustices and liberating oppressed populations.

Prevention of Future Aggression: Both initiatives aimed at preventing future aggression by implementing
measures that would curb the military ambitions of the defeated powers. The Congress System coordinated
military efforts against the Central Powers, while the Versailles Treaty imposed restrictions on Germany to
prevent a resurgence of aggression.

Economic and Social Reconstruction, Both the Congress System and the Versailles Treaty acknowledged the
need for economic and social reconstruction in the aftermath of the war. They aimed to address the challenges
posed by the conflict and lay the groundwork for rebuilding societies and economies.
The idea of establishment of International Organizations, The initiatives shared a commonality in their
recognition of the importance of international cooperation. The Versailles Treaty led to the establishment of the
League of Nations, while the Congress System discussions laid the groundwork for diplomatic collaboration
among the Allied powers.

Post-War Settlement and Redrawing of Borders, Both the Congress System and the Versailles Treaty aimed
to shape the post-war settlement and redrew the map of Europe. They sought to establish new borders and
political arrangements that would contribute to long-term stability.

Assurance of accountability for War Crimes, Both initiatives aimed to address accountability for war crimes
and atrocities committed during the conflict. The Versailles Treaty included provisions for holding individuals
responsible for war guilt, and the Congress System discussions likely touched upon the importance of justice
and accountability.

Geopolitical and Economic Outcomes: The Congress System and the Versailles Treaty aimed to influence the
geopolitical and economic outcomes of the post-war era. They recognized the interconnectedness of political
and economic stability in shaping a peaceful and prosperous future for Europe and the world.

However, on the other hand, the initiatives seem to differ as highlighted in the careful analysis below.

Differences in Timeframe and Context, The Congress System of 1914-1915 was a series of diplomatic
conferences held during World War I, primarily among the major Allied powers—the United Kingdom, France,
and Russia. These conferences were conducted during the war itself, between 1914 and 1915, with the primary
goal of coordinating military strategies against the Central Powers. On the other hand, the Versailles Peace
Treaty of 1919 marked the post-war settlement and was signed after the cessation of hostilities in 1918,
specifically in the Palace of Versailles near Paris.

In non–uniformity–like discussions, The Congress System primarily focused on immediate wartime concerns,
such as military coordination and strategies against the common enemies, Germany and Austria-Hungary. In
contrast, the Versailles Peace Treaty discussions were more comprehensive, dealing with the aftermath of the
war, reparations, territorial adjustments, and the establishment of a new world order.

Differences in grand goals, The Congress System aimed at securing Victory in World War I by enhancing
coordination among the Allies. In contrast, the Versailles Peace Treaty sought to address the root causes of the
war, establish lasting peace, and reorganize the global order to prevent future conflicts.

Different Participants, The Congress System primarily involved the major Allied powers, while the Versailles
Peace Treaty negotiations included representatives from both the Allied and Central Powers. Germany, a major
participant in the treaty negotiations, was excluded from the Congress System discussions.
Discrepancies in territorial Changes: The Congress System discussions did not specifically focus on
extensive territorial adjustments or post-war boundaries. In contrast, the Versailles Peace Treaty resulted in
significant territorial changes, with the redrawing of maps and the creation of new nations in Europe, such as
the establishment of Czechoslovakia and the disintegration of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Varying views on post-war reconstruction: The Versailles Peace Treaty addressed the need for economic and
social reconstruction in post-war Europe, including reparations from Germany to cover war damages. The
Congress System did not delve into the detailed economic and social reconstruction plans for the post-war
period.

The suggestion of the formation of the League of Nations: The creation of the League of Nations, an
international organization aimed at promoting collective security and preventing future conflicts, was a specific
outcome of the Versailles Peace Treaty discussions. The Congress System did not result in the establishment of
a formal international organization.

Reparations and Punitive Measures, the Versailles Peace Treaty imposed reparations and punitive measures
on Germany for war guilt. The Congress System did not involve discussions on specific reparations or punitive
measures against the Central Powers.

War Guilt Clause, The Versailles Peace Treaty included the infamous "war guilt clause," holding Germany
solely responsible for the war. The Congress System did not have a comparable provision attributing sole
responsibility for the war to a specific nation.

Recognition of Nationalism and Self-Determination, The Versailles Peace Treaty recognized the principle of
nationalism and self-determination by granting independence to oppressed nations. This was not a central theme
in the Congress System discussions, which were more focused on immediate wartime concerns rather than post-
war nation-building efforts. An example of this was the establishment of Poland as an independent nation,
which was a direct outcome of the treaty negotiations.

In conclusion, while the Congress System of 1914-1915 and the Versailles Peace Treaty of 1919 differed in
their timeframe, context, and specific goals, they shared a remarkable convergence in their overarching aims.
Both initiatives were driven by a collective determination to establish and maintain world peace and stability.
The recognition of the need to restore the balance of power, preserve territorial integrity and independence,
address violations of territorial integrity, check German aggression, promote disarmament, acknowledge
nationalism and self-determination, reconcile warring powers, liberate oppressed races, prevent future
aggression, and focus on economic and social reconstruction were common threads that ran through both
undertakings. Furthermore, the establishment of international organizations, post-war settlement, redrawing of
borders, accountability for war crimes, and consideration of geopolitical and economic outcomes were shared
objectives. Despite their differences in participants, territorial changes, views on post-war reconstruction, and
specific measures like reparations and punitive measures, the Congress System and the Versailles Treaty
collectively reflected a comprehensive and interconnected effort to shape a new global order and ensure lasting
peace in the aftermath of World War I.

No.2 Compare and contrast the achievements of the Versailles Peace Treaty of 1919and those of the League
of Nations of 1920 -1946

The Versailles Peace Treaty of 1919, negotiated at the Palace of Versailles after World War I, marked a crucial
international agreement involving key figures like Woodrow Wilson, Georges Clemenceau, and David Lloyd
George. This treaty, signed on June 28, 1919, concluded the war, imposing significant territorial, military, and
economic restrictions on Germany as the defeated Central Power. The negotiations symbolically occurred at the
Palace of Versailles, signifying the end of hostilities and aiming to establish lasting peace by addressing war
causes and punishing Germany. Established in 1920 on the other hand, is the League of Nations that sought to
promote peace and international cooperation, comprising major powers like Britain, France, and Japan.
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the League addressed global issues but faced challenges, leading to its
dissolution in 1946, despite its initial purpose of preventing devastating wars through diplomatic resolution and
collective security. The Discussion Below, we focus on the comparisons and contrasts of the achievements of
the two described initiatives.

Comparisons

The formation of the League of Nations, Both the Versailles Treaty and the League of Nations were products
of the Paris Peace Conference in 1919. The League was established with the signing of its Covenant as part of
the treaty. This therefore makes both initiatives a product of the deliberations of the Paris Peace Treaty in 1919.

Both initiates agitated for Collective Security, The League of Nations was founded on the principle of
collective security, The treaty sought to address the causes of the war by imposing severe penalties on
Germany, limiting its military capabilities, and redrawing national boundaries. This idea was also reflected in
the Versailles Treaty, which promoted diplomacy, arbitration, and collective action to prevent future conflicts

Territorial Adjustments, The Versailles Treaty redrew the map of Europe, making significant territorial
adjustments. The treaty dismantled empires and established new nations based on self-determination, a principle
that emphasized the right of ethnic groups to govern themselves. Similarly, the League of Nations played a
crucial role in overseeing and enforcing these territorial adjustments. It provided a forum for diplomatic
negotiations and dispute resolution, aiming to maintain stability and prevent aggressive expansion by fostering
collective security among member states.
The achievement of the Mandate System, The mandate system involved assigning certain territories,
primarily in the Middle East and Africa, to the supervision of more advanced nations, known as mandatory
powers, with the ultimate goal of preparing these regions for self-governance. Both the Versailles Treaty and
the League of Nations were instrumental in establishing the mandate system, wherein certain territories
formerly belonging to the defeated powers were placed under the administration of League members. The
League granted mandates over former Ottoman territories and German colonies to victorious Allied powers. For
instance, in 1920, the League assigned the German colonies of Togoland and Cameroon to Britain and France,
respectively, while South West Africa went to South Africa.

The acts of disarmament, The Versailles Peace Treaty of 1919, following the end of World War I, sow the
implementation of disarmament measures against the defeated Central Powers. Germany, in particular, faced
significant military restrictions, including limits on troop numbers, weapon types, and the prohibition of an air
force. Simimulitenousily, the League of Nations, established in 1920, promoted global peace and security
through disarmament agreements. The League's efforts included the Geneva Protocol of 1924, which prohibited
chemical and bacteriological warfare.

The Achievement of international economic cooperation, the Versailles Treaty, established the International
Labour Organization (ILO) in 1919, focusing on improving working conditions and fostering economic
cooperation among member states the League played a crucial role in promoting economic collaboration
through initiatives such as the Financial Committee and Economic and Financial Organization. The League
facilitated economic conferences and negotiations, including the Genoa Conference in 1922 and the Dawes Plan
in 1924, which aimed to address war reparations and stabilize the European economy.

Achievement of Humanitarian Goals, The Versailles Treaty achieved humanitarian goals by fostering
international cooperation and preventing future conflicts. The treaty addressed the aftermath of World War I
and promoted peace through principles such as self-determination and the protection of minority rights. On the
same, the League of Nations further emphasized humanitarian efforts by addressing issues like refugees, health,
and labor conditions. Notable examples include the establishment of the International Labour Organization in
1919, which focused on improving working conditions globally, and the League's humanitarian work during the
1921-1923 famine in Russia, providing aid to alleviate suffering.

The attainment of arbitration and mediation, Both the Versailles Treaty and the League of Nations
advocated for the peaceful resolution of conflicts through arbitration and mediation The League facilitated
arbitration in various disputes, notably in the Aaland Islands (1921) between Finland and Sweden, where it
mediated a solution. Additionally, the Aaland Islands case demonstrated the League's success in addressing
ethnic and territorial disputes through peaceful means.
Role in International Relations, Both the Versailles Treaty and the League of Nations played pivotal roles in
shaping the post-war international order, influencing the geopolitical landscape, and attempting to prevent the
recurrence of large-scale conflicts. In The Versailles Peace Treaty, notably Germany. While the treaty's punitive
measures were criticized, it laid the groundwork for international cooperation and the League of Nations.

Contrasts

Formation and Structure, the Treaty of Versailles was primarily a peace settlement between the Allied
Powers and Germany, signed in 1919. Whereas, The League of Nations was an international organization
established in 1920 as a result of the Paris Peace Conference, to promote peace and prevent future conflicts.

Enforcement Mechanism, The enforcement mechanism of the Treaty of Versailles was primarily punitive,
with harsh reparations imposed on Germany. The League aimed at collective security, with member nations
pledging to defend each other in case of aggression, thereby avoiding unilateral punitive measures.

Inclusion of Germany, Germany was excluded from the negotiations until the final stages, leading to
resentment and setting the stage for future tensions. While Germany initially was not a member due to its
exclusion from the Treaty of Versailles. It joined in 1926 but left in 1933 under Adolf Hitler's rule.

Global Representation: The Treaty negotiations primarily involved the Allied Powers, with limited
representation from non-European nations. The League aimed for broader global representation, including non-
European nations, thereby promoting a more inclusive international approach.

Reparations vs. Economic Cooperation, Imposed heavy reparations on Germany, contributing to economic
hardship and resentment, which became a factor in the rise of Adolf Hitler. Emphasized economic cooperation
and development as a means of preventing future conflicts.

Military Restriction, Imposed severe military restrictions on Germany, limiting its armed forces and weaponry
while the League of Nations is focused on disarmament as a general principle for all member nations to prevent
an arms race and reduce the risk of conflict.

Economic Consequences, Contributed to economic instability in Germany and, indirectly, the global economic
downturn in the 1920s and 1930s. The League of Nations Through its economic initiatives, such as the
International Labour Organization, aimed to address economic and social issues globally

Effectiveness in conflict resolution the Versailles peace treaty Failed to prevent the outbreak of World War
II, as it did not address the root causes of conflict and instead imposed punitive measures. The League of
Nations Faced challenges in preventing aggression, particularly due to the absence of major powers like the
United States and the Soviet Union and the lack of an effective military force.
US Involvement in the Versailles Peace Treaty, The United States played a major role in the negotiations but
ultimately did not ratify the treaty, leading to its limited impact while the League of Nations U.S. did not join
the League, reducing its global effectiveness and undermining the concept of collective security.

Diplomatic Cooperation, The Versailles Treaty, Primarily focused on redrawing borders and settling scores,
with limited emphasis on festering long-term diplomatic cooperation. On the other hand League of Nations,
Placed a greater emphasis on diplomatic means of conflict resolution and negotiation to prevent conflicts before
they escalated.

Discrepancies in national sovereignty versus international cooperation, The Versailles Treaty, Emphasized
national sovereignty and imposed punitive measures on individual nations whereas the League of Nations,
Emphasized international cooperation and collective action to address common challenges and maintain peace.

Difference in Legacy, The Versailles Treaty, Considered by many as a flawed and punitive settlement,
contributed to the rise of nationalism and the outbreak of World War II. Whereas the League of Nations failed
to prevent World War II, the League's principles and structures laid the groundwork for the establishment of the
United Nations, aiming to learn from past mistakes and create a more effective international organization.

In summary, the Versailles Peace Treaty of 1919 and the League of Nations established in 1920 were both
products of the Paris Peace Conference, aiming to address the aftermath of World War I and prevent future
conflicts. They shared similarities in advocating for collective security, territorial adjustments, disarmament,
economic cooperation, humanitarian goals, and arbitration. Both initiatives played pivotal roles in shaping the
post-war international order, attempting to influence the geopolitical landscape and prevent large-scale
conflicts. However, they differed in their formation, enforcement mechanisms, and inclusion of Germany,
global representation, approach to reparations and economic cooperation, military restrictions, economic
consequences, effectiveness in conflict resolution, U.S. involvement, emphasis on diplomatic cooperation, and
the legacy they left. The Versailles Treaty, criticized for its punitive measures, contributed to the rise of
nationalism and World War II, while the League of Nations, despite facing challenges, laid the groundwork for
the United Nations, seeking to improve upon past mistakes and create a more effective international
organization.

No.3 Compare and contrast the achievements of the League of Nations of 1920 -1946 with the United
Nations of October 24th, 1945.

In comparison,

The League of Nations, conceived from Woodrow Wilson's 14th point during the Paris Peace Conference,
emerged as a cornerstone of the Versailles settlement, officially establishing itself on January 10, 1920, with 26
articles, the most pivotal being the sanction clause. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, the League aimed to
guarantee the independence of states, both large and small, and employed various organs, commissions, and
committees, including the General Assembly, Council, Permanent Court of International Justice, and the
Secretariat.

The United Nations Organization (UNO) materialized post-World War II, originating from the
collaborative efforts of Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt through the Atlantic Charter. Formally
established in 1945, the UNO sought to replace the League of Nations, and its commitment to restoring world
peace was ratified during the Yalta Conference.

The League and the UNO shared common objectives such as preventing aggression, promoting
decolonization and democracy worldwide, ensuring territorial integrity, and safeguarding the independence of
states. Both organizations demonstrated positive and negative impacts across social, political, economic, and
humanitarian realms.

In the pursuit of global peace, the League organized influential conferences, including the Locarno
Conference, fostering reconciliation between former enemies like Germany, Britain, and France. Similarly, the
UNO regulated the Cold War conflict during the Korean War in 1956, averting potential global crises.

The League established the International Court of Justice, settling over 70 cases and facilitating diplomatic
dialogue through the signing of numerous treaties. In comparison, the UNO focused on children's rights,
addressing issues like child labor, abuse, and trafficking. International bodies like UNICEF and NGOs such as
Action Aid and World Vision played key roles in protecting children's rights.

Both organizations contributed to improving health standards. The League created the Council of Health
and the World Health Organization, addressing epidemic diseases, while the UNO, through the World Health
Organization, tackled various health issues globally, including vaccination programs against diseases like
smallpox.

The League declared acts of aggression illegal, influenced by the Kellogg Pact of 1928, whereas the UNO,
through the Trusteeship Council, guided African nations toward independence, accelerating the growth of
nationalism. The League took direct administration of territories like Danzig and Saar coal fields, while the
UNO facilitated the independence of African nations and conducted referendums to avoid conflicts.

In the realm of workers' rights, both the League and the UNO played roles in advocating for fair working
conditions. The League established the International Labour Organization, condemning child labor in Persia,
while the UNO, through the same organization, promoted fair working conditions and the formation of trade
unions.
The League repatriated World War I prisoners, fostering peace, while the UNO established homes for displaced
people after World War II, including the resettlement of persecuted Jews in Palestine in 1947. Disputes between
Germany and Belgium over Eupen and Malmsey were resolved by the League, and the UNO restored interstate
economic cooperation through the IMF and World Bank.

The UNO fostered cultural tolerance through UNESCO, organizing conferences on youth challenges.
Additionally, it addressed drug trafficking and abuse, establishing committees to monitor and frustrate the
production and sale of intoxicating substances. The League addressed the slave trade and slavery, establishing a
commission in 1924, while the UNO focused on environmental protection and the preservation of natural
resources.

Contrasts

The League of Nations initially boasted a significant number of member nations, but the absence of key powers
like the United States limited its global influence. In contrast, the United Nations achieved a more
comprehensive membership, including major powers, which enhanced its capacity for global impact. This
increased inclusivity marked a significant improvement over the League of Nations and underscored the
commitment to fostering international cooperation.

One distinctive feature of the League of Nations was the Mandates System, designed to oversee territories
previously controlled by defeated nations and promote development and self-governance. While this system had
noble intentions, it faced challenges in execution, often falling short of achieving its objectives. In contrast, the
United Nations emphasized a more comprehensive approach to global governance, particularly through the
creation of the Security Council. This council, equipped with veto powers for major nations, aimed to ensure
more effective decision-making and address the limitations observed in the League of Nations.

The League of Nations experienced both successes and failures in conflict resolution. Minor disputes, such as
the Aaland Islands conflict between Sweden and Finland in 1921, were successfully resolved. However, the
League failed to prevent major conflicts, exemplified by the invasion of Manchuria by Japan in 1931 and the
Abyssinian crisis in 1935. These failures highlighted the weaknesses of the League in maintaining peace and
preventing large-scale conflicts.

In contrast, the United Nations prioritized human rights and emphasized their protection and promotion through
organizations like the UN Human Rights Council. Additionally, the deployment of peacekeeping forces in
various global conflicts showcased the UN's commitment to maintaining or restoring peace. Successful
negotiations and resolutions in regional conflicts, such as the end of apartheid in South Africa, further
demonstrated the United Nations' efficacy in conflict resolution.
While the League of Nations faced limited success with economic sanctions, often circumvented by major
powers, the United Nations has continually adapted its approach to address global challenges. However, the UN
is not without its challenges, grappling with issues such as climate change, global inequality, and regional
conflicts. Despite these ongoing challenges, the United Nations persists in its role as a central player in
international diplomacy and conflict resolution, a significant departure from the League of Nations' fate

In conclusion, the League of Nations and the United Nations Organization, with their achievements and
shortcomings, significantly impacted the global landscape across economic, social, political, and humanitarian
dimensions. Highlighting that, they had some similarities and differences such as the League of Nations and the
United Nations represent distinct eras in international governance. While the League of Nations struggled with
limited membership, execution of mandates, and an inability to prevent major conflicts, the United Nations has
made strides in achieving global inclusivity, establishing effective conflict resolution mechanisms, and adapting
to contemporary challenges. The continued existence and influence of the United Nations underscore its success
in learning from the shortcomings of its predecessor and its ongoing commitment to fostering a more peaceful
and cooperative world.