Shaping Europe (and the world) for the next 100 years The Congress of Vienna Shaping Europe (and the world) for the next 100 years

Members and Representatives Prussia – King Frederick William III Russia – Czar Alexander I Austria – Emperor Francis I Britain – foreign ministers France – foreign ministers MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON = Prince Klemens von Metternich of Austria

Goals of the Congress of Vienna To prevent future acts of French action To restore a balance of power to Europe So no one country could threaten others To restore Europe’s royal families to the thrones they held prior to Napoleon’s conquests

Actions Taken Weaker countries bordering France were made stronger Kingdom of the Netherlands was created Group of 39 German states were transformed into a loosely united German Confederation This prevented France from becoming too powerful and dominating Europe France was not severely punished Its borders were restored to where they were in 1790 The principle of legitimacy was agreed upon “Legitimate” rulers in charge prior to Napoleon would be restored to power

Short Term Results No major European wars until 1853! Major powers agreed to come together to maintain a balance of power Concert of Europe was established to assure that nations would help one another out if any revolutions broke out (rich helping the rich)

On Latin America The restoration of Ferdinand VII to Spanish throne led to revolution movements across Latin America Royalist peninsulares wanted to restore their power in Spanish colonies Creoles saw their chance to seize power for themselves and began revolting against the Spanish throne

Long Term Impacts France lost power and influence Britain and Prussia gained power and influence Nationalism began to grow in places put under foreign control, leading to new nations being formed Italy, Germany, Greece Colonies began declaring independence from their European rulers Mostly in Latin America

Liberals v. Conservatives Liberals generally came from lower social classes and held little/no political influence Ex. Bourgeoisie of the 3rd Estate Conservatives generally came from higher social classes and held significant political power More likely to want “business as usual” Enlightenment ideas of liberty and equality threatened to disrupt old regime order Scary to conservatives, inspiring to liberals