HISDSM252 Unit 2: The Age of Reaction and Revolutions

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