Congress of Vienna
Mary Cappelletti, Alexandra Flanagan, Taylor Guyer
What is the Congress of Vienna?
The Congress of Vienna is a series of
meetings in 1814-1815, during which
the European leaders sought to
establish long-lasting peace and
security after the defeat of
Napoleon.
Metternich’s Plan for Europe
❏  Many of the decisions made in Vienna during the winter of 1814-1815
were made secretly among the representatives of the “five powers”
❏  The “five powers” included Russia, Prussia, Austria, Great Britain &
France.
❏  Klemens Von Metternich was Austria’s foreign minister.
❏  Metternich didn’t trust the democratic ideas of the French Revolution.
❏  Metternich had three goals to prevent instability within the nation.
❏  Surround france with strong countries
❏  Restore a balance of power
❏  Restore Europe’s royal families to the thrones.
Metternich’s Plan for Europe
(Continued)
❏  The authority figures of Europe wanted to dissipate France’s
strengths, but not leave it entirely powerless.
❏  The great powers declared the principle of legitimacy.
❏  The ruling families of Italy, France, and Spain - also regained
their denominations.
Legitimacy is the hereditary right of a monarch to rule.
Political Changes Beyond Vienna
❏  The Congress of Vienna was a victory for conservatives. All previous
monarchs regained their control.
❏  The rulers of Europe worried that the ideas of liberty, fraternity, and
liberty might encourage other revolutions.
❏  After 1815, France was politically divided.
❏  Conservatives had a major rule over the European governments in this
time. Although, they couldn’t restrain the new notions that had arose
during the French Revolution.
❏  However, the Liberals wanted the king and the legislature to share more
power.
❏ 
Relating to NOW
Conclusion of the Congress of
Vienna
●  The Congress of Vienna left an impact that would (more or less)
guide world politics for the next hundred years.
●  Nationalism dispersed throughout Italy, Greece, Germany, and
other areas of Europe. These countries were previously controlled
by foreign nations.
●  The French Revolution permanently altered concepts about the
basis of power and authority.