Major Participants in the Conference Britain – the Duke of Wellington Prussia – King Frederick William III Russia – Czar Alexander I France – Prince Tallyrand Austria – Prince Metternich

The Metternich System Prince Metternich hosted and dominated the conference: admired the Old Regime and hated the ideas of the revolution. Metternich was a reactionary who wanted to “turn back time” to Old Regime conditions; this era is also known as the Age of Reaction

Major Settlements Principle of Legitimacy: “rightful” rulers deposed by Napoleon were restored to power (monarchs) Principle of Compensation – nations that helped to defeat Napoleon were compensated with land Russia received Finland and most of Poland Prussia received parts of Poland and various German territories Britain received colonies like South Africa Balance of Power – in order to prevent further conflicts, the Congress attempted to balance the size and power of states to ensure no area of Europe could become dominant again

These settlements meant the denial of democracy (principle of legitimacy) and nationalism (principle of compensation meant that foreign rulers were over various nationalities), both of which were the ideals of the French Revolution

Alliances The Quadruple Alliance – Metternich organized Austria, Prussia, Russia and Britain to enforce the various Vienna settlements and suppress revolutions. This is also known as the Concert of Europe The Holy Alliance – Czar Alexander I organized this well meaning but ineffective group of monarchs who pledged to rule by Christian principles

Rejecting the Metternich System 1810 – 1823: revolutions in Latin America : revolutions in Spain and Italy 1821 – 1829: Revolution in Greece 1830 – 1832: Revolutions in France, Belgium, Italy and Poland 1848: Revolutions in France, the Austrian Empire, Italy and Germany The nations of Great Britain and the United States also began to oppose the methods and policies of the Metternich system (mostly for economic reasons)

Although most of these revolutions were unsuccessful, they did lead to the collapse of the Metternich system and brought more democratic governments to France, Piedmont and the Austrian Empire. Also, suppressed and disunited European national groups moved toward national independence and unity through diplomacy and war.

Two Examples of Nationalist Groups Fighting for Independence

Support for Italian Unification The French Revolution encouraged other nations to seek self- determination (nationalism became popular) The different Italian states shared A common history (ancient Roman Empire, glory days of the Renaissance) Common religion (Roman Catholic) Common language (Italian) Common geography (Italian peninsula) A common desire to never be conquered by an outside power again (influence of Napoleon’s conquests)

Opposition to Italian Nationalism Geography – the Apennine Mountains run down the center and the Po River divides the peninsula north and south Religion – the Pope opposed it Foreign opposition – especially Austria and France (ends “balance of power” under Metternich System) Government – debate over the type of government to establish (confederation, republic, constitutional monarchy) Low literacy meant it was difficult to spread ideas

How Italy Unifies 1820s – people start to revolt A series of wars gives Sardinia control over various territories Plebiscites are held to let the people decide if they want to join with Sardinia After a few more wars, all of the peninsula is united, with the Papal territories kept sovereign to get support from the Pope

Problems after Unification Illiterate Italians lack the democratic traditions meant they showed little responsibility Catholic pope banned people from participating in politics until 1904 Universal suffrage didn’t exist until 1912 There were too many political parties – bribery and corruption were widespread Poor economy meant many Italians emigrated to the New World

Ambitious Italian Nationalism Now that they were a nation-state, Italy wanted to become a world power (upsetting the balance of power) Built a large army and navy Acquired colonies in Africa Attempted to expand their national boundaries (during World War One)

Support for a German Nation-State Common ethnicity and culture (musicians, poets, philosophers) Napoleon’s conquest had helped them to see the benefits of unifying together Zollverein – a free trade agreement between Prussia and most German states (except Austria)

Opposition to German Unificaiton Cultural, religious and economic differences between the regions Opposition by France and Austria (upsetting the Balance of Power established under the Metternich System) Fear of a centralized government (the regions were concerned about a loss of self-determination)

How Germany Unifies Prussian leader - Bismarck - strengthens the military “Blood and Iron” Bismarck convinces Austria to join him in invading Denmark and then double crosses Austria He has made alliances with other countries so that when Austria declares war on Prussia, Austria is easily defeated Bismarck tricks France into declaring war on Prussia, which Prussia wins. Now Prussia has annexed several territories and declares the new German Empire – The Second Reich

Problems after Unification Prussia and France remain bitter enemies Germans demand a commanding role in world affairs (believe they were denied their place in history because of France and Britain) This includes a rejection of the rules of diplomacy if necessary (realpolitik) World War One – the invasion of Belgium The new government is dominated by Prussians, creating resentment Minority groups are forced to assimilate