The League of Nations held its first council meeting in Paris, marking a pivotal moment in international relations following the devastation of World War I. Established as a part of the Treaty of Versailles, the League aimed to ensure lasting peace and to prevent the kind of widespread conflict that had ravaged Europe just years prior. This assembly welcomed representatives from key member nations, with discussions focusing on the primary objectives of the League—collective security, disarmament, and the promotion of peace. Leaders acknowledged the profound need for an organization dedicated to resolving disputes through negotiation rather than war.

Among the agenda items was the administration of territories previously controlled by the Central Powers, with discussions surrounding the mandates placed on these lands. Nations grappled with the complexities of governing former colonies and facilitating self-determination, which revealed differing perspectives among member states. The inaugural meeting laid the groundwork for the processes and principles that would govern the League's future operations, demonstrating an early but ambitious attempt at multilateral diplomacy and international cooperation.

Despite the optimism surrounding the League’s establishment, challenges loomed. Notably, the absence of the United States—a major power whose Senate rejected participation in the League—cast a shadow over its legitimacy and effectiveness. The first council meeting, therefore, didn't just symbolize a commitment to peace but also highlighted the fractures in international cooperation that would continue to affect global politics in the years to come. Nevertheless, the meeting is seen as a foundational step towards a new era of diplomacy, with many of its ideals influencing subsequent international organizations, including the United Nations.