This unit examines the struggle between the conservative forces that sought to restore the old order in Europe after Napoleon's defeat and the rising tide of liberalism and nationalism [cite: 1768-1772].
1. Main Provisions of the Vienna Congress
The Congress of Vienna (1814-1815) was a meeting of ambassadors from European states chaired by Austrian statesman Klemens von Metternich. Its primary goal was to provide a long-term peace plan for Europe by settling critical issues arising from the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars.
Key Principles and Provisions:
- Legitimacy: Restoring the "legitimate" monarchs who had been deposed by Napoleon to their thrones, such as the Bourbons in France, Spain, and Naples.
- Balance of Power: Ensuring that no single power could ever dominate Europe again by redistributing territories among the major powers.
- Containment of France: Establishing strong "buffer states" around France to prevent future French aggression.
- Compensation: Rewarding countries that had contributed most to Napoleon's defeat with new territories.
2. The Concert of Europe
The Concert of Europe was a system of dispute resolution adopted by the major conservative powers of Europe (Austria, Prussia, Russia, and Great Britain) to maintain the status quo and suppress revolutionary movements.
- Collective Security: The powers agreed to meet in periodically scheduled congresses to discuss and resolve European problems collectively.
- Interventionism: Under the "Metternich System," the major powers claimed the right to intervene in other states to crush liberal or nationalistic revolts.
- Decline: The system eventually weakened due to conflicting interests among the powers, particularly Britain’s move toward a policy of non-intervention.
3. July Revolution (1830): Causes & Effects
The July Revolution in France, also known as the "Three Glorious Days," saw the overthrow of the Bourbon King Charles X and the ascent of his cousin Louis-Philippe.
Causes:
- The July Ordinances: Charles X issued strict decrees that suspended the liberty of the press, dissolved the Chamber of Deputies, and reduced the number of voters.
- Reactionary Policies: Attempting to restore the absolute power and privileges of the nobility and clergy.
Effects:
- Establishment of Constitutional Monarchy: Louis-Philippe became the "Citizen King" under a revised constitution.
- Spread of Revolution: Sparked similar revolts across Europe, most notably leading to the independence of Belgium from the Netherlands.
4. February Revolution (1848): Causes & Effects
The February Revolution ended the constitutional monarchy of Louis-Philippe and led to the creation of the French Second Republic.
Causes:
- Economic Distress: A severe industrial crisis and crop failures led to unemployment and hunger among the working class.
- Political Corruption: The government's refusal to extend voting rights to the middle and working classes.
- The Reform Banquets: When the government banned a large political gathering (banquet), riots broke out in Paris.
Effects:
- The "Springtime of Peoples": Sparked a wave of revolutions across Europe, including in Germany, Italy, and the Austrian Empire.
- Rise of Louis-Napoleon: Eventually led to the election of Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte (later Napoleon III) as President.
5. Exam Focus: Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Who was the "Architect of the Vienna Settlement"? | Klemens von Metternich, the Austrian Chancellor. |
| What was the main purpose of the Concert of Europe? | To maintain the balance of power and suppress revolution in Europe. |
| Why is 1848 called the "Year of Revolutions"? | Because over 50 countries experienced some form of political upheaval or revolt that year. |