The Lost Fruits of Waterloo

"The Lost Fruits of Waterloo" by John Spencer Bassett is a historical exploration that examines the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars and the unsuccessful attempts to forge a lasting peace across Europe. The narrative underscores the crucial need for countries to work together, using a well-organized approach to head off future clashes, reflecting on how leaders missed opportunities for real unity after Napoleon's fall. Bassett begins by sharing that President Wilson's push for an international league to secure long-term peace following World War I drove him to write the book. He considers the peace after Waterloo to be shallow and fleeting, given that the core problems that fueled conflict were never really tackled. Bassett highlights the ever-changing world of global relations, touching on the repeated ideas that lead to conflict and the vital role of a strong system where nations cooperate.