The Congress of Vienna Chapter 7, Section 5

The Congress of Vienna After exiling Napoleon, European leaders were looking to establish long-lasting peace and stability on the continent. A series of meetings in Vienna, known as the Congress of Vienna, were called to set up policies to achieve this goal. The goal of the new European order: collective security and stability Originally scheduled to meet four weeks. Actually met for eight months. Meetings were held during the winter of 1814-1814.

Metternich’s Plan for Europe Most decisions were made in secret among representatives of the five “great powers” – Russia, Prussia, Austria, Great Britain, and France. The most influential of these representatives: Prince Klemens von Metternich, Austrian foreign minister Metternich distrusted the democratic ideals of the French Revolution. Viewed Napoleon’s behavior as the outcome of experiments with democracy. Metternich’s goal: “The first and greatest concern for the immense majority of every nation is the stability of laws – never their change.”

Metternich’s Plan for Europe {continued} The Containment of France – Prevent French aggression by surrounding France with strong countries. Kingdom of the Netherlands formed Switzerland made independent Austria dominates new German Confederation of 39 German states Kingdom of Sardinia is strengthened by adding Genoa

Metternich’s Plan for Europe {continued} Balance of Power – No one country can be a threat to another country. European powers weaken France but leave it mostly intact France remains a major but diminished European power.

Metternich’s Plan for Europe {continued} Legitimacy – Restoration of traditional European ruling order. Legitimacy—monarchs deposed by Napoleon are returned to thrones Ruling families of France, Spain, and several states in Italy and Central Europe regain their thrones. Leaders hope to restore order through these changes Congress of Vienna succeeds in getting all European governments together Fair deals are worked out so that the meeting does not lead to more war European nations agree to preserve peace, which lasts almost 40 years.

Political Changes Beyond Vienna Conservative Europe Holy Alliance—Russia, Prussia, Austria pledge to fight revolution Concert of Europe—European nations pledge to help fight revolutions Conservative governments rule across Europe, but new ideas have impact Revolutions in Latin America Napoleon’s replacing king of Spain set off rebellions in Spanish America Many former colonies of Spain and Portugal gain independence Long-Term Legacy Britain, Prussia gain power Spreading of nationalism leads to revolutions