5.7 - The Congress of Vienna

The Congress of Vienna and the Balance of Power in Europe

Background:

• The Napoleonic Wars significantly disrupted the balance of power in Europe.

• The Peace of Westphalia (1648) ended wars based on religion in Europe, but wars continued over power and influence.

• The main objective was to maintain a balance of power, ensuring no single state became too powerful, which could lead to disaster.

The Congress of Vienna (1814-1815):

• Held in 1814, the Congress of Vienna was a meeting of the major European powers to restore stability after the defeat of Napoleon.

• The Quadruple Alliance (Russia, Prussia, Austria, and Great Britain) led the Congress.

• This period marked a turning point in European history, focusing on restoring order and preventing future conflicts.

Key Decisions and Outcomes:

1. Conservatism:

   • The monarchies of the Quadruple Alliance favored conservative policies.

   • Conservatism emphasized tradition and stability, contrasting with the liberal reforms from the French Revolution.

   • They aimed to roll back liberal reforms and restore power to aristocratic, church, and monarchical institutions.

2. Balance of Power:

   • The Congress prioritized re-establishing a balance of power in Europe.

   • Notably, France, despite being defeated, was invited to the negotiation table, highlighting the importance of a stable and moderately strong France.

   • To prevent future French aggression, surrounding territories were strengthened:

     • Belgium and Holland were united under the Dutch monarchy to create a strong force against France.

     • Prussia gained territory on France's eastern border to help contain France.

3. Key Figures:

   • Clemens von Metternich, the Austrian foreign minister, was a leading figure at the Congress.

   • Under his leadership, France's borders were rolled back to their 1792 state, reducing their territory compared to the Napoleonic era but more than before the French Revolution.

Conclusion:

• Although the Congress of Vienna was conservative, it successfully ushered in 50 years of peace in Europe, a period known as the Age of Metternich.

• Napoleon's brief return from exile did result in some territorial losses for France, but overall, the Congress achieved its goals of stability and balance in Europe.