The Aftermath of the Congress of Vienna What

The Aftermath of the Congress of Vienna What did it really do? What are the same problems? Congress of Vienna: In 1814, Austrian foreign minister Prince Klemens von Metternich along with leaders from Great Britain, Prussia, Russia (and later France), to restore principle of legitimacy monarchs across Europe to make sure the balance of power was kept in check

Political Ideals Conservatism Liberalism Nationalism • Want to go back in time. • Extremists who oppose change (status quo). • European victors took a reactionary view towards politics. • Reinstated absolute monarchs. • Spain and Two Sicilies abolished constitutions. • Civil liberties, or rights should be protected • Religious toleration • Legislature and Constitution should rule land – not monarch! • French Revolution and Napoleon’s conquests sparked this ideal • Groups that shared common heritage/culture, and govt. • Reactionaries feared these groups. Why?

Alliances Among the Powers Quadruple Alliance • Britain, Austria, Prussia, &Russia. Later France. • Goal: discuss common interests, and maintain peace. • Practical alliance? Why? Holy Alliance • All European rulers except British king, Turkish sultan, and pope. • Monarchs rule as Christians. • Symbolic? Why? Concert of Europe • Nations in Europe from the Quadruple Alliance. • Maintain peace and status quo. • Practical alliance? Why?

Conclusion • The Congress of Vienna was frequently criticized by nineteenth-century and more recent historians for ignoring national and liberal impulses, and for imposing a stifling reaction on the Continent. • It was an integral part in what became known as the Conservative Order, in which the liberties and civil rights associated with the American and French Revolutions were de-emphasized, so that a fair balance of power, peace and stability, might be achieved.