1. L14: Revolutionary Changes in Political Life: Conservatism
Agenda
Objective:
To understand…
The beliefs and principles of conservatism.
The ideological and political goals of the Congress of Vienna
3. Where the world is headed in 1815.
Schedule:
Opening activity
Tenets of Conservatism
Congress of Vienna
Discussion of where the world is headed in 1815
Homework:
Consult unit schedule.
REMINDER:
* All HW
Due Fri
* Test on Fri! 1

2. Conservatism
In response to the development of liberalism and its beliefs, another political ideology developed in Europe after 1815: conservatism
Conservatism was developed in direct opposition to the ideas of liberalism!
Working from a different set of assumptions, conservatism argued that liberalism was dangerous to both society and the individual.
Looked to the social destruction caused by the French Revolution as evidence for how the liberal ideas of liberty and equality would destroy Europe’s entire social structure if liberalism spread!
Conservatives proposed a different way of understanding and organizing political life that they believed would lead to stability and security for both society and the individual.

3. Conservatism
Today we will explore the political philosophy of conservatism
We will arrive at an understanding of its key beliefs/principles by exploring how conservatives understand 4 core concepts:
Tradition
Equality (or the lack thereof)
Hierarchy
Community

4. Conservatism and the Congress of Vienna

5. Congress of Vienna
With Napoleon defeated, representatives of the four major European powers (Russia, Prussia, Austria-Hungary, and Great Britain) met in September in Vienna.
The meeting became known as the Congress of Vienna.

6. The Four Great Powers Prince Von Hardenberg Prussia
Take a look at these men. What do they all have in common? --> They are members of royalty. Given this status, which political ideology do you think they are going to be adherents to?
Tsar Alexander I Russia
Prince Von Metternich
Austria
Leader of the Congress of Vienna
Lord Castlereagh
Great Britain

7. Given what you know about the conservative beliefs of these leaders, how do you think they are going to rebuild Europe?

8. Congress of Vienna: 3 Goals
Maintain and strengthen monarchies
Ensure that no one state dominates Europe by providing a means of setting disputes among the Great Powers
Stop the spread of Liberalism & Nationalism!!
How are these goals consistent with conservatism?

9. Age of Metternich: 1815-1848 VERY conservative era in Europe.
Four Powers rule according to Metternich System.
Reinstate the Ancien Regime (Absoulte Monarchy)
Suppress nationalistic ambitions through force.
Stop the spread of liberal ideas through censorship and
restraints on civil liberties.

10. Congress of Vienna: Accomplishments
The Congress of Vienna settlement is widely credited with keeping Europe out of a continent-wide war for 100 (until World War One in 1914!).
However, this doesn’t mean that
this time wasn’t without conflict!
Revolutions would soon be
breaking out throughout Europe.

11. Where the World Is Going…

12. Viennese Waltz
The Viennese Waltz is a type of ballroom dance that emerged in Austria in the early 1800s.
It was popularized and became a huge hit after it was performed widely and the many parties held during the Congress of Vienna
Take a look at the Viennese Waltz…

13. Where is the World Headed in 1815
Think about what we have learned in this unit.
Think about the waltz you have just seen and this quote: “You have come at the right moment. If you like fetes and balls you will have enough of them; the Congress does not move forward, it dances.” - Prince de Linge (French writer and royal)
Where is the world headed in 1815?