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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

7. 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)

8. 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

14. 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

15. 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