1. The Congress of Vienna
Chapter 7, Section 5

2. The Congress of Vienna
After exiling Napoleon, European leaders were looking to establish long-lasting peace and stability on the continent.
A series of meetings in Vienna, known as the Congress of Vienna, were called to set up policies to achieve this goal.
The goal of the new European order: collective security and stability
Originally scheduled to meet four weeks. Actually met for eight months.
Meetings were held during the winter of

4. Metternich’s Plan for Europe
Most decisions were made in secret among representatives of the five “great powers” – Russia, Prussia, Austria, Great Britain, and France.
The most influential of these representatives: Prince Klemens von Metternich, Austrian foreign minister
Metternich distrusted the democratic ideals of the French Revolution.
Viewed Napoleon’s behavior as the outcome of experiments with democracy.
Metternich’s goal: “The first and greatest concern for the immense majority of every nation is the stability of laws – never their change.”

5. Metternich’s Plan for Europe {continued}
The Containment of France – Prevent French aggression by surrounding France with strong countries.
Kingdom of the Netherlands formed
Switzerland made independent
Austria dominates new German Confederation of 39 German states
Kingdom of Sardinia is strengthened by adding Genoa

6. Metternich’s Plan for Europe {continued}
Balance of Power – No one country can be a threat to another country.
European powers weaken France but leave it mostly intact
France remains a major but diminished European power.

7. Metternich’s Plan for Europe {continued}
Legitimacy – Restoration of traditional European ruling order.
Legitimacy—monarchs deposed by Napoleon are returned to thrones
Ruling families of France, Spain, and several states in Italy and Central Europe regain their thrones.
Leaders hope to restore order through these changes
Congress of Vienna succeeds in getting all European governments together
Fair deals are worked out so that the meeting does not lead to more war
European nations agree to preserve peace, which lasts almost 40 years.

9. Political Changes Beyond Vienna
Conservative Europe
Holy Alliance—Russia, Prussia, Austria pledge to fight revolution
Concert of Europe—European nations pledge to help fight revolutions
Conservative governments rule across Europe, but new ideas have impact
Revolutions in Latin America
Napoleon’s replacing king of Spain set off rebellions in Spanish America
Many former colonies of Spain and Portugal gain independence
Long-Term Legacy
Britain, Prussia gain power
Spreading of nationalism leads to revolutions