VIENNA CONGRESS OF 1815
The Congress of Vienna of 1814-1815 was an international diplomatic conference to reconstitute the European political order after the downfall of the French Emperor Napoleon 1.The objective of the Congress was to provide a long-term peace plan for Europe by settling critical issues arising from the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars.
Reason for Formation
- Restructuring of Europe: Reorganizing Europe post-Napoleonic Wars.
- Distribution of Achievements of War: Victorious countries shared spoils of war.
- Fulfillment of Victorious Powers’ Interests: Austria, Russia, and Britain sought to benefit:
- Austria: Wanted dominance in Central Europe.
- Russia: Aimed for control over Eastern Europe.
- Britain: Desired to suppress France to protect economic interests.
Provisions and Features of Vienna Congress
- Principle of Legitimacy: Aimed to restore monarchies displaced by Napoleon:
- France given back to Louis XVIII.
- Holland given to the Orange dynasty.
- Papal States returned to the Pope.
- Principle of Compensation: Rewards to distribute wartime gains:
- Russia: Got Poland and control of Finland.
- Austria: Gained Lombardy and took up German protection.
- Britain: Stressed European peace for economic reasons.
- Formation of Alliances: Created alliances such as the Holy Alliance, Quadruple Alliance, and Concert of Europe to maintain peace and balance of power.
| Concert of Europe: Consensus among Great Powers (Russia, Prussia, Britain, Austria, and later France) to maintain balance and territorial integrity in Europe. |
- Suppression of Nationalism: Nationalism was seen as a threat to monarchies, and revolts driven by nationalism, such as the 1820 Naples revolt, were suppressed.