Question

What was the purpose of the Vienna Congress ?

Hint:

Think of the Vienna Congress as an attempt to "turn back the clock" on Europe to the time before the French Revolution. Its keywords are: Balance of Power, Restoration of monarchies, and Conservatism (suppressing revolution).

Answer 1

The Vienna Congress (1814-1815) was a conference of European ambassadors held after the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte. Its main purpose was to create a long-term peace plan for Europe by settling critical issues arising from the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars.
The primary objectives were: \begin{enumerate} \item To Establish a New Balance of Power: The main goal was to prevent any single nation, particularly France, from dominating Europe again. The Congress redrew the map of Europe, strengthening the states surrounding France (like the Netherlands and Prussia) to act as buffers. \item To Restore Legitimate Monarchies: Led by the Austrian Chancellor Metternich, the Congress sought to restore the ruling families who had been deposed by Napoleon. This was the "principle of legitimacy," which saw the restoration of the Bourbons in France, Spain, and Naples. \item To Suppress Revolutionary Ideas: The Congress was a conservative reaction against the revolutionary ideals of liberty, equality, and nationalism spread by the French Revolution. It aimed to crush liberalism and nationalism and re-establish the old conservative order. \item To Provide a Framework for Peace: The Congress established a system of diplomacy known as the Concert of Europe, where the major powers would meet periodically to resolve disputes and maintain stability. \end{enumerate}