The Rise of Conservatism in Europe Post-French Revolution

The Rise of Conservative Ideology in 19th Century Europe

  • Historical Context Before 1815

    • Focus on the events before 1815, particularly the French Revolution, which played a crucial role in shaping conservative ideology.

    • French Revolution Dynamics:

    • People demanded liberal reforms of the government.

    • When the government failed to comply, the populace took control, leading to the abolition of monarchical tyranny.

    • This empowerment granted people rights they had not previously possessed.

    • Radical Phase:

    • The Reign of Terror characterized this period:

      • Surrounding nations allied against France.

      • Fearing the loss of revolutionary gains, the French government cracked down on dissent.

      • Violent outcomes included widespread executions, including that of King Louis XVI.

    • Napoleon's Role:

    • Claimed to embody revolutionary ideals but through conquest, controlled much of Europe.

    • His defeat spurred the formation of the Quadruple Alliance (Great Britain, Austria, Prussia, and Russia) to suppress liberal movements.

  • Essence of 19th Century Conservatism:

    • Definition of Conservatism:

    • A political belief asserting that stability is best achieved through traditional institutions and cultural norms.

    • View of Human Nature:

    • Conservatives believed in the inherent flaws of human beings and their untrustworthiness; thus, governance should not be left to the masses.

    • Preferred governance by established institutions such as monarchy and religion.

    • Congress of Vienna:

    • Leaders convened to restore traditional European structures post-Napoleon's defeat.

  • Key Figures in Conservatism:

    • Edmund Burke:

    • Prominent English conservative emphasizing that authority and hierarchy are part of the natural order.

    • Advocated for a society governed by a small elite rather than by the masses.

    • Josef de Maistre:

    • Initially a supporter of the revolution, became disillusioned by its violence.

    • Opposed the secularization of France and argued for the return to monarchy rooted in religious principles.

  • The Concert of Europe and the Age of Metternich:

    • Following the Congress of Vienna, a period termed the Concert of Europe emerged, lasting several decades marked by relative peace.

    • Clemens von Metternich:

    • Austrian Foreign Minister who orchestrated efforts for conservative stability across Europe.

    • Believed in the necessity of strong central governments opposed to the chaos created by the revolution.

    • Three Goals of Metternich's Concert of Europe:

    1. Restore Balance of Power:

      • Installation of legitimate rulers traditionally aligned with conservatism on European thrones.

    2. Support for Aristocracy:

      • Ensuring the privileges and rights of landed aristocrats were upheld.

    3. Promotion of Organized Religion:

      • Advocated for religion as a foundation for stable governance.

  • Impact of Conservative Reaction:

    • Resistance to the liberal reforms born from the French Revolution influenced European political dynamics.

    • Rulers used conservative principles to justify suppressing national uprisings and liberal revolts.

    • Carlsbad Decrees (1819) in Austria:

    • Aimed at suppressing nationalist movements:

      • Outlawed nationalist organizations.

      • Forcefully dissolved radical student groups.

      • Removed liberal professors from educational positions.

    • Russia's Conservative Regime:

    • Czarist rulers claimed divine right to govern.

    • Employed secret police to eliminate dissent, maintaining serfdom that resembled slavery.

  • Conclusion of Conservative Trends:

    • The conservative era maintained relative peace in Europe until the revolutions of 1848, which marked a shift toward liberalism and continued conflict, leading up to World War I.