1. After the fall of Napoleon, a group of aristocratic leaders from various European countries met together to make decisions about how to govern Europe.
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2. The members of this group preferred the old power structure to democracy. Because of their efforts, conservatism enjoyed a temporary triumph over liberalism in Europe.
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3. Europe’s conservative leaders held a conference in Vienna, Austria, in September 1814, to discuss ways to prevent more revolutions.
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4. Representatives came from most European countries
Representatives came from most European countries. Even France was allowed to send a delegate.
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5. However, Prince Klemens von Metternich, a brilliant Austrian diplomat, dominated the conference.
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6. Metternich’s ideas greatly influenced European affairs for 30 years by encouraging a balance of power among nations.
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7. Its leaders hoped that the rules they made would prevent any one nation from becoming militarily stronger than its neighbors.
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8. If successful, a balance of power would keep Europe at peace.
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9. The general agreement among the leading powers about the aims of the congress has been labeled the Concert of Europe.
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10. The leaders of the congress also supported the principle of legitimacy
The leaders of the congress also supported the principle of legitimacy. They felt that absolute monarchy was the most stable form of government.
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11. The congress also opposed the efforts of Poles, Belgians, and other national groups to govern themselves.
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12. Metternich feared that nationalism would destroy his own and similar states and make Europe more vulnerable for war.
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13. But while the Congress of Vienna tried to restore the old ways and put an end to nationalism, change had come with the Revolution.
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