Lecture Notes on European Politics 1815-1830

Realpolitik & The Congress System

  • Concept of Realpolitik: A politics of reality emphasizing peace through treaties rather than proving victory.
  • Pragmatism Over Idealism: Decisions made based on practical considerations rather than ideological beliefs.
  • Klemens von Metternich & Congress System:
    • Aim: Prevent any single nation from dominating Europe.
    • Principle: Conservatism to maintain the status quo.

Political Ideologies: Conservatism and Liberalism

  • General Overview: Political ideologies that advocate specific policies and world-views regarding governance and human nature.
  • Conservatism:
    • Objective: Preserve tradition and the past, particularly pre-French Revolution ideals.
    • Reactionary policies against revolutionary changes.
  • Liberalism:
    • Emerges in response to conservatism, advocating Enlightenment ideals.
    • Emphasizes basic freedoms, constitutional governance, and merit-based advancement.
  • Nationalism:
    • Focuses on ethnic identity through shared language, culture, and history.
    • Seeks to unite smaller countries and resonate with various political ideologies.

Revolts and the Congress System (1815-1830)

  • Overview of Revolts: Various uprisings against established authorities during this time frame, influenced by the Congress System's responses.
  • 1817 Serbia Revolt:
    • Context: Slavic, Eastern Orthodox people against Ottoman rule.
    • Response: No official intervention from Congress; lack of support due to Britain's reluctance.
  • 1818 Congress of Aix-la-Chapelle:
    • Tsar Alexander I’s proposal for intervention in rebellions by the Quadruple Alliance.
Significant Revolts:
  • 1820 Greek Revolt:
    • Led by Alexander Ypsilanti seeking independence from Ottoman Empire.
    • Congress response: Leaders met privately without formal Congress involvement.
  • 1820 Revolts in Spain and the Two Sicilies:
    • Both sought constitutional monarchies and basic freedoms.
    • 1820 Congress of Troppau:
    • Protocol of Troppau allowed for military intervention by stable governments to restore monarchy.
  • 1821 Congress of Laibach:
    • Austrian troops intervened to restore absolute monarchy in Sicily; Congress later authorized French intervention in Spain.
Decembrist Revolt (1825):
  • Background: Following Tsar Alexander I’s death, army officers rebelled for a constitutional monarchy.
  • Response: Tsar Nicholas I’s repressive regime used a secret police to eliminate opposition.

France 1815-1830 Reigns

  • Louis XVIII (1814-1824):
    • Reinstated after the fall of Napoleon; encouraged some freedoms.
  • Charles X (1824-1830):
    • Leader of the Ultras, proved to be more reactionary, rolled back freedoms, and implemented a more absolute monarchy.
Summary of Events:
  • Negative Consensus in France:
    • No clear direction among citizens, but widespread rejection of an absolute monarchy.
  • Form of Government:
    • Constitutional monarchy with limited voting rights and legislative structure.
Political Parties:
  • Ultras:
    • Extremely royalist, sought to return to Old Regime privileges.
    • Led by Comte d’Artois.
  • Moderate Constitutionalists:
    • Supported limits on monarchy, high property qualifications.
  • Independents:
    • Sought a Republic with universal suffrage and extensive civil liberties.
Louis XVIII’s Reign:
  • Events:
    • Inherits Napoleon’s bureaucracy.
    • Rise of “White Terror” post-Waterloo; increased violence against Napoleon's supporters.
  • Assassination of Charles-Ferdinand d’Artois (1820):
    • Leads to repression of press and the return of censorship.
Charles X's Reign (1824-1830):
  • Events:
    • Implemented policies that favored Ultras and rolled back constitutional gains.
    • July Ordinances (1830):
    • Error to suspend freedom of press, dissolve parliament, and limit voting rights.
    • Revolution of July 1830:
    • Resulted in abdication and subsequent flight from France, leading to establishment of Louis-Philippe as a new monarch after the abdication domino effect.