Post on 23-Dec-2015
transcript
Congress of Vienna
• After Napoleon was exiled, the nations that made up the Grand Alliance met to decide the fate of European nations (Austria, Britain, Prussia, and Russia).
• The goal was to establish long-lasting peace and stability in Europe
Prince Klemens von Metternich
• The most influential leader of the meeting was foreign minister of Austria
• “The first and greatest concern for the immense majority of every nation is the stability of laws – never their change.”
• He presented three goals for the Congress of Vienna
Goal 1 – Containment of France
• Prevent French aggression by surrounding the country with strong countries.
• Created the Kingdom of the Netherlands• Combined 39 German states into the German
Confederation (dominated by Austria)• Switzerland now independent nation• Kingdom of Sardinia (in Italy) adds Genoa
Goal 2 - Balance of Power
• Did not severely punish France – might try to seek revenge
• Do not break up the country – that could lead to another country becoming too strong
• France is a major, but weakened European nation.
• No Country Could Easily Overpower Another
Goal 3 – Legitimate Governments
• Return the monarchs to power in the countries in which Napoleon drove them out.
• The members of the Congress believed this would stabilize political relations among nations
Accomplishments of the Congress of Vienna
First time European leaders had worked together on political affairs
Everyone treated fairly
Balance of power in Europe – no immediate threat of war
Monarchs remain in control
Absolute – Central and Eastern Europe
Constitutional – Britain and France
Long Term Legacy of the Congress of Vienna
Many Latin American colonies revolt demanding independence
France weakened, but Britain and Prussia increase power
Nationalism spreads in regions put under foreign control
French Revolution allows people to see democracy as the best way to ensure equality and justice – the trend begins!