Gough Whitlam vs Klemens Metternich

Whitlam led the Australian Labor Party to victory in the 1972 federal election, ending 23 years of conservative rule. His government immediately withdrew Australian troops from Vietnam and established diplomatic relations with China.

Whitlam's government abolished tuition fees for tertiary education, making university attendance free for all Australian students. This policy dramatically increased university enrollment and access for lower-income students.

Whitlam's government established Medibank, Australia's first universal public health insurance scheme. The system provided free hospital and medical care to all Australians, funded through a levy on income tax.

Whitlam's government enacted the Racial Discrimination Act, making it illegal to discriminate on the basis of race, color, or ethnic origin. The legislation implemented Australia's obligations under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

Governor-General Sir John Kerr dismissed Whitlam as prime minister following a budget deadlock in the Senate. This unprecedented action triggered a constitutional crisis and led to the appointment of Malcolm Fraser as caretaker prime minister.

Metternich chaired the Congress of Vienna, which redrew European borders after Napoleon's defeat. He advocated for the principle of legitimacy and balance of power, establishing a conservative order that lasted decades.

Metternich helped create the Holy Alliance between Austria, Prussia, and Russia. The alliance aimed to suppress revolutionary movements and maintain monarchical rule across Europe.

Metternich orchestrated the Carlsbad Decrees, which imposed censorship on universities and press in the German Confederation. The decrees suppressed liberal and nationalist movements, reinforcing conservative control.

Metternich convened the Congress of Troppau to address revolutions in Naples and Spain. He secured the Troppau Protocol, which authorized Austrian intervention to suppress liberal uprisings in Italy.

Metternich's conservative system collapsed during the Revolutions of 1848. He was forced to resign as Chancellor and flee to England, ending his decades-long dominance of European diplomacy.