The Congress of Vienna The French Revolution & the Napoleonic Age had repeatedly threatened the balance-of-power (whereby no power was sufficiently strong to impose its will on the others) in Europe. It was this balance-of-power that the Vienna Congress sought to restore & secure for the future. While representatives participated from all around Europe, it was really the four great powers of Europe, Britain, Russia, Prussia & Austria (with the later addition of France also) which shaped the major decisions of the Congress Oct – June 1815

After Napoleon’s defeat, Europe is left disorganized. Four great victors of France (UK, Austria, Prussia, Russia) meet in Vienna to determine the future of the territories that were shattered by the Napoleonic conquests. The aim was to reconstruct a European order.

Two main principles of the negotiations: (1)Preservation of political equilibrium among the powers (2) Restoration of old dynasties, driven out by the revolutionary wave.

Why the Congress of Vienna is important? Decisions taken there redraw the political map of Europe

Outcomes of Vienna Congress Re-establishment of balance-of-power French borders restricted to pre-revolutionary war levels Barrier of stronger / guaranteed territories formed around France to prevent future expansion (Belgium & Netherlands joined, German Confederation (Bund) established, Swiss neutrality guaranteed, N. Italian territory given to Austria, territory ceded to Prussia) Return of the Bourbon Monarchy in France

The Congress System & The Concert of Europe At Vienna also agreed to establish Congress System so representatives of the Great Powers would meet regularly to discuss pressing issues affecting Europe. After Verona in 1822 they became more & more irregular, largely as a result of Britain’s desire not to get too involved in Continental affairs Congress of Vienna 1818 Congress at Aix-la-Chapelle 1820 Congress at Troppau 1821 Congress at Laibach 1822 Congress at Verona

The Congress System & The Concert of Europe (2) Congress System outlived by the ‘Concert of Europe’ This was a general understanding that Great Powers should consult each other & reach consensus before taking impt. military, territorial & diplomatic decisions & actions in international affairs. Required basis of understanding & harmony among these powers. Believed that through ‘Concert of Europe’ European political system would be made more stable & the balance-of-power preserved. Indeed one of basic principles was that of “no annexation without ratification” (i.e. no state should take new territories without the acceptance of the other Great Powers).

Map of Europe post-Vienna Congress

The Quadruple Alliance Britain PrussiaAustriaRussia Established to prevent any threat to the European balance-of- power by France.

The Holy Alliance RUSSIA AUSTRIA PRUSSIA A joining of forces to help each other against threats from revolutionary influences.

The new European order, drawn up in Vienna, marks the revenge of Ancien Regime against the ideals of French Revolution. It fails to meet national aspirations that are growing in Europe. weakening of empires desire for independence