Compare and contrast the settlement following World War 1 with the settlement following the Napoleonic Wars?

Answer 1

The settlement following World War I, epitomized by the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, aimed to impose punitive reparations on Germany and redraw national boundaries, significantly altering the political landscape of Europe. In contrast, the settlement after the Napoleonic Wars, formalized in the Congress of Vienna in 1815, focused more on restoring the balance of power and establishing a diplomatic framework to prevent future conflicts, often favoring the status quo. While the latter sought stability through cooperation among the great powers, the former's punitive measures contributed to future tensions and instability in Europe. Both settlements reflected the dominant powers' desire to reshape Europe but differed fundamentally in approach and long-term outcomes.