The Congress of Vienna Chapter 7 Section 5

Main Ideas After exiling Napoleon, European leaders at the Congress of Vienna tried to restore order and reestablish peace. International bodies such as the United Nations play an active role in trying to maintain world peace and stability today.

Introduction After Napoleon’s defeat, European leaders wanted peace and stability. The Congress of Vienna was called to set up policies to achieve the goal of collective security and stability for the entire continent. Most decisions made during these meetings were among the representatives of the five great powers: Russia, Prussia, Austria, Great Britain and France.

Prince Klemens von Metternich The most influential person at the CoV. He distrusted the democratic ideas of the French Rev. Three main goals of the CoV: strengthen countries surrounding France to prevent future French aggression create a balance of power in Europe restore Europe’s royal families to their thrones

Strengthening Germany

Political Changes Beyond Vienna Britain and France had constitutional monarchies. Eastern and Central Europe were more conservative. Russia, Prussia and Austria had absolute monarchies.

Conservative Europe Rulers were worried that the French Rev. might lead to other revolutions. Metternich devised a series of alliances known as the Concert of Europe that ensured nations would help one another if any revolutions broke out.

Long-Term Legacy Results of Congress of Vienna: France’s power and size were weakened. Britain and Prussia’s power increased. Nationalistic feelings grew in countries placed under foreign rule. Results of French Revolution: People began to see democracy as the best way to ensure equality and justice for all. Changed the social attitudes and assumptions that had dominated Europe for centuries.