Chapter 7 Section 5 The Congress of Vienna

The Congress of Vienna The 5 Great Powers Russia, Prussia, Austria, Great Britain, & France Most of the decisions of the congress were made by these countries in secret The Congress was supposed to meet for 4 weeks, but 8 months to finalize the plan

Metternich Plan for Europe Klemens von Metternich Austrian foreign minister Distrusted democracy Believed Napoleon’s rise was the natural path of Democracy Wanted to keep the current systems of gov’t in Europe The plan Prevent France from being a further threat Restore the balance of power Restore the royal families of Europe to their thrones

The Containment of France the Netherlands and Dutch republic would be joined as the Kingdom of the Netherlands 39 German states would become the German Confederation controlled by Austria Switzerland would be independent Sardinia was given Genoa

The Balance of Power France was not left powerless No other nations were strong enough to easily overpower another By creating this balance and not punishing France, the Congress avoided sowing the seeds for future wars

Legitimacy Restoration of as many former ruling families as possible France, Spain, much of Italy and many other powers in Central Europe regain their thrones Political triumph for the Congress of Vienna Lasting peace in Europe for 40 years

Conservative Europe Goal: protect Europe from revolutionary ideas The Holy Alliance Czar Alexander I of Russia Emperor Francis I of Austria Frederick William III of Prussia Based their relations on Christian principles The Concert of Europe Insured the other nations would help if war broke out The revolutionary ideas were not going away

Revolution in Latin America Revolutions in Spain’s colonies Mexico Creoles vs. Peninsulares Independence for Mexico Independence was spreading across Latin America Brazil declared independence from Portugal Other Spanish colonies broke from Spain

Long term legacy Political influence for the next 100 years Trying to maintain the balance of power Increase in Britain’s and Prussia’s power Rise of nationalism Greece Italy Germany Revolutions and new nations Spain would lose most of its colonies