Congress of Vienna

Key Players at the Congress of Vienna

  1. Tsar Alexander I (Russia)

  2. Prince Klemens von Metternich (Austria)

  3. Viscount Castlereagh (Britain)

  4. Charles Maurice de Tallyrand (France)

  5. King Frederick William III (Prussia)


Key Principles Established at Vienna

  • Metternich had three goals at the Congress:


  1. prevent future French aggression & surround France w/stronger countries

  2. restore a balance of power: (no one country is a threat)

  3. restore legitimacy: Europe’s royal families back on thrones

The Congress of Vienna Wants to go BACK to Before the French Revolution

  • Balance of power - no country in Europe too powerful

  • A new map of Europe drawn (France weaker)

  • Congress of Vienna: (1815) Peace Conference after Napoleon (Metternich = leader)

  • Kings restored to power

Changes Made at Vienna

  • France was deprived of all territory conquered by Napoleon

  • Austrian Netherlands & Dutch Republic united to form Kingdom of Netherlands

  • A Germanic Confederation of 39 states (including Prussia) was created from the previous 300, under Austrian rule

  • Switzerland became independent

  • Kingdom of Sardinia strengthened by adding Genoa (Italy)

Results of the Congress of Vienna

  • Went easy on France  b/c afraid they would want revenge 🡪 gave up conquered areas, but kept previous borders

  • No country in Europe could easily overpower another

  • Fair enough for countries not to hold a grudge

  • Peace lasted 38 years & effects on world would be seen for next 100 years!