1. The Congress of Vienna
In this lesson, students will be able to define the following terms:
The Congress of Vienna
Prince Metternich
Balance of Power
Nationalism
Nationality
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2. After the defeat of Napoleon, European
ministers and rulers met at the Congress of
Vienna to redraw the boundaries of Europe.
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3. The great powers Of Europe-Great Britain, Prussia, Russia, and Austria
dominated the
Congress
( ).
They restored many
former rulers and
borders.
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4. A Return to the Past
These changes helped to bring Europe back in some measure to the way it had been before the French Revolution.
In some places, like Belgium and Poland, this meant ignoring popular feelings.
The European “Old Order” was restored.
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5. Prince Metternich of Austria was a leader of the Congress of Vienna.
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6. Balance of Power
Prince Metternich sought to establish a balance of power.
Introduced in the 18th century, this term referred to a system in which the chief powers of Europe were roughly equal in military strength, so that no single power like France could dominate the others.
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7. To further prevent future French domination or the spread
of democratic
revolutions in Europe,
the four major powers
also formed a new
alliance.
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8. Nationalism
Nationalism is the belief that each nationality (ethnic group) is entitled to its own government.
The French Revolution ignited the spirit of nationalism in Europe by spreading the view that government should be based on the will of the people.
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9. or crushing nationalist feelings.
At the same time, the statesmen at the Congress of Vienna were intent on ignoring
or crushing nationalist feelings.
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10. The thirty years following the Congress of
Vienna witnessed a series of unsuccessful
revolutions in Italy, Germany, and Poland.
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11. However, both Greece and Belgium achieved independence by 1830.
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12. French citizens established a constitutional monarchy that same year.
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13. In 1848, revolutionary fever gripped Europe.
The French overthrew their constitutional
monarchy and France became a republic.
However, other revolutions were put down.
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14. Questions for Reflection:
What were the goals of the Congress of Vienna?
Why did Prince Metternich believe that a “balance of power” would prevent future problems?
Define nationalism and nationality.
What happened in 1848?
Was the “Old Order” restored? Explain your answer.
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