Prescribed subject 1: Peacemaking, peacekeeping—
international relations 1918‑36
This prescribed subject addresses international relations from 1918 to 1936 with emphasis on the Paris
Peace Settlement—its making, impact and problems of enforcement—and attempts during the period to
promote collective security and international cooperation through the League of Nations and multilateral
agreements (outside the League mechanism), arms reduction and the pursuit of foreign policy goals without
resort to violence. The prescribed subject also requires consideration of the extent to which the aims of
peacemakers and peacekeepers were realized and the obstacles to success.
Areas on which the source-based questions will focus are:
v aims of the participants and peacemakers: Wilson and the Fourteen Points
v terms of the Paris Peace Treaties 1919‑20: Versailles, St Germain, Trianon, Neuilly, Sèvres/Lausanne 1923
v the geopolitical and economic impact of the treaties on Europe; the establishment and impact of the
v mandate system
v enforcement of the provisions of the treaties: US isolationism—the retreat from the Anglo–American
v Guarantee; disarmament—Washington, London, Geneva conferences
v the League of Nations: effects of the absence of major powers; the principle of collective security and
v early attempts at peacekeeping (1920‑5)
v the Ruhr Crisis (1923); Locarno and the “Locarno Spring” (1925)
v Depression and threats to international peace and collective security: Manchuria (1931‑3) and
v Abyssinia (1935‑6).