Putting Europe Back Together: Congress of Vienna (1815) (September 1, 1814 – June 9, 1815)

Europe in 1812

The Big Players Britain: Lord Castlereagh Austria: Metternich Russia: Tsar Alexander I Britain: Lord Castlereagh Metternich, Austria’s foreign minister, represented Austrian Emperor Francis I and hosted the Congress. AKA “The Doctor of Revolutions” because of his conservative outlook and diplomatic role until the mid 19C. Castlereagh, British foreign secretary. Lots of influence b/c Britain led the final drive to defeat Napoleon. Tsar Alexander of Russia. Frederick William III of Prussia, who was represented by his minister Prince Karl von Hardenberg. Charles Maurice de Talleyrand, French foreign minister, representing the interests of a defeated country. Austria: Metternich Prussia: King Frederick William III France’s Talleyrand

Congress of Vienna (1814-1815) Austria – Prince Metternich European monarchs sought to turn back the clock to 1789 and restore Europe’s Old Regime Members included the “Big Four” and France Austria – Prince Metternich England – Duke of Wellington and Lord Castlereagh France – Talleyrand Prussia – Frederick William III, Hardenberg, and Humboldt Russia – Tsar Alexander I Anecdote: Even though France had lost under Napoleon, Talleyrand was able to play the “Big Four” off one another and ensure that France was not severely punished. 4

Main Objectives Maintain a balance in power in Europe It’s job was to undo everything that Napoléon had done: Reduce France to its old boundaries  her frontiers were pushed back to 1790 level. Restore as many of the old monarchies as possible that had lost their thrones during the Napoléonic era. Maintain a balance in power in Europe Supported the resolution: There is always an alternative to conflict.

Metternich (1773-1859) Conservative leader at the Congress Opposed democracy and nationalism Claimed that he was guided by the principle of legitimacy: lawful monarchs from the royal families that had ruled before Napoleon would be restored to power Anecdote: Discussion of how Napoleon had spread the ideals of the French Revolution throughout the lands he conquered. 6

Compensation and Legitimacy Napoleon’s enemies rewarded with land Other nations compensated for land taken Redrew the map of Europe Coalition forces would occupy France for 3-5 years. France would have to pay an indemnity of 700,000,000 francs. Legitimacy Restoration of pre-Napoleon rulers House of Bourbon – France, Spain, and the two Sicilies House of Braganza – Portugal House of Orange – Netherlands House of Savoy – Sardinia German princes – territories in the Confederation of the Rhine Pope and Catholic Church – Papal States Anecdote: Metternich restored the European dynasties of the Old Regime. 7

Territorial Changes Austria gained Lombardy, Modena, Parma, Tuscany, and Venetia (all are areas in Italy) England gained Cape Colony, Ceylon, Heligoland, Guiana, and Malta (areas in Africa, the Americas, and Asia) Holland gained Austrian Netherlands (Belgium) Prussia gained part of Poland, land along the Rhine River, 40% of Saxony, Swedish Pomerania, and Westphalia Russia gained Finland and part of Poland Sweden gained Norway Anecdote: The main idea to be gained here is that imperialism was confirmed in these territorial changes, and that no consideration was given to the thoughts of the “regular people” who lived in these areas. 8

Europe After the Congress of Vienna

Fate of Nationalism People had no say over territorial changes Language, nationality, and religion weren’t taken into consideration Ideas of democracy and self-government were rejected by European leadership Soon enough, concessions were made Anecdote: For the next 100 years, a few groups were able to gain concessions. For the most part, however, nationalistic drives were directly opposed to the status quo. 10

Louis XVIII of France No more divine right of kings Charter (Constitution) granted in 1814 Could not restore feudalism and serfdom Continuing religious toleration guaranteed Anecdote: Discussion of concessions, with France as the example. 11

Quadruple and Holy Alliances Metternich desired to maintain the status quo and make the Vienna treaties permanent Quadruple Alliance of 1815 Austria, England, Prussia, and Russia France joined in 1818 Pledged to put down democratic or nationalistic revolts Holy Alliance Organized by Tsar Alexander I of Russia Most European monarchs joined Pledged to govern with charity, justice, and peace But none of them did so

Buffer States Designed to prevent France from again becoming a threat Holland and Sardinia enlarged and strengthened European nations guaranteed Switzerland’s neutrality Anecdote: Discussion of continuing Swiss neutrality and the purpose of buffer states. 13

Results of the Congress of Vienna Concert of Europe – group of leading nations which periodically met to discuss issues regarding stability Temporary suppression of democratic and nationalistic ideals The Principle of Intervention: the great powers of Europe had the right to send armies into countries where there were revolutions in order to restore legitimate monarchs to power; Great Britain did not agree with this policy International peace – no general war in Europe until World War I (100 years later) Crimean War (1854-1856) Austro-Prussian War (1866) Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871) Anecdote: Discussion of how those wars which did break out were in large part expressions of the leading European countries’ own desires for nationalism and unification. 14

Legacy of Congress of Vienna “Balance of Power” doctrine Restoration of monarchies New political map of Europe New political philosophies (liberalism and conservatism)

Review Questions What countries made up the “Big Four” at the Congress of Vienna? What were the principles of compensation and legitimacy? How did the Congress of Vienna redraw the map of Europe? What was the purpose of the Quadruple Alliance? What were the results of the Congress of Vienna?

The Germanic Confederation, 1815

Prussian gains Saxony Prussia lost most of Poland to Russia, but in return she was compensated with 40% of Saxony, the Duchy of Westphalia, and Swedish Pomerania. She also received the new, consolidated Rhineland.

Austrian Netherlands The Netherlands acquired the Austrian Netherlands (Belgium). This enlarged Kingdom of the Netherlands was meant to serve as a check against future French aggression. (Later, in 1830, a revolution against Dutch rule broke out in Belgium, and it won its independence with a liberal constitution and guaranteed neutrality in 1831.)

Finland & Sweden Russia kept Finland, which it had taken from Sweden in 1809, but Sweden kept Norway (which it had seized during from Napoleon’s ally, Denmark) as compensation.