The Congress of Vienna At the end of the Napoleonic Wars, a series of meetings known as the Congress of Vienna were set up to establish stability & security in Europe Most of the decisions were made by the five “great” powers They were: Russia, Prussia, Austria, Britain and France The most influential person was Austria’s Klemens von Metternich Metternich felt that democracy led to the revolutions, which is why Napoleon came to power Metternich’s goals were: 1) To surround France with strong countries to prevent aggression 2) Restore balance of power, so no country would threaten another 3) Restore the monarchies that Napoleon had defeated

Congress of Vienna New Nations: -Switzerland is independent -Kingdom of Netherlands -Confederation of German states -Sardinia & Genoa combine -Some countries disappear! Conservative Europe: Absolute monarchs remain in Russia, Prussia, & Austria - form Holy Alliance – Christian ideas to stop future revolutions Legitimacy: All former monarchs that Napoleon replaced will return to their thrones Concert of Europe: Agreement that if a revolution breaks out, all countries will help put it down

Long-Term Legacy of the Congress of Vienna Many European states are now ruled by monarchs who are not the same nationality as the people Most Europeans had a taste of revolution and liked it. They believed in Enlightenment ideas and would fight for their rights Although there is no major fighting for several years, nationalistic revolutions will shortly break out