Napoleon’s Aftermath The Congress of Vienna

Homework Discussion Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the Continental System. What happens in Spain and what is the impact elsewhere in Europe? Explain the relationship between Napoleon and Tsar Alexander I. What was problematic about Napoleon’s war in Russia? Impact? Review what happens between exile on Elba and exile on St. Helena? Why is he exiled instead of killed?

Now that Napoleon is in exile (the second time), what should Europe do to move forward?

Goals Series of meetings held in Vienna Q: Vienna is the capital of what country? New framework for peace, security and stability in Europe First meetings and decisions were secret, and happened the winter after Napoleon was defeated (1814) Russia, Great Britain, Austria, Prussia, France

Metternich Most influential in the meetings: Prince Klemens von Metternich Foreign Minister of Austria Distrusted French Revolution’s ideas of democracy and liberty

First goal: containment of France Prevent future French aggression by surrounding it with strong countries Merged Austrian Netherlands with Holland, this becomes Kingdom of the Netherlands German Confederation created out of 39 small German states, run by Austria start of a unified Germany Switzerland recognized as independent Kingdom of Sardinia adds more Italian territory start of a unified Italy

Second goal: Balance of power Wanted to weaken France but not make it powerless If they punished France, it might make the French vengeful If they broke up France, other countries might take advantage of the situation Result: France still a major power, but somewhat diminished

Third goal: Legitimacy Restore Europe’s royal families Ruling families in France, Spain, Italian and German states all put back in power Overall, Congress of Vienna was a big success Stability returned to Europe No wars fought in Europe for the next 40ish years

Political differences in Europe Britain and France now both constitutional monarchies Absolute monarchies still in control in Russia, Austria and Prussia

Conservative Europe Rulers of some countries very fearful of the legacy of the French Revolution Leaders of Austria, Prussia and Russia sign an agreement called the Holy Alliance Idea was to base their relations with other countries on Christian principles and to fight revolutionary movements

Conservative Europe Metternich also devised the Concert of Europe Alliances which are meant to prevent war Despite tight control French revolution ideas could not be contained Revolutions break out in Europe in 1830 and 1848 as a result

Revolution in Latin America Just like the Americans threw the British out of the former colonies, Latin Americans started revolting Haiti declares independence from France in 1804 Mexico declares independence from Spain in 1821 Brazil declares independence from Portugal in 1822 Rest of Latin America follows Modeled governments after the United States AND included Napoleonic and French Revolution ideas