Question:

Who said 'When France sneezes, the rest of Europe catches a cold'?

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Metternich was a key figure in the Congress of Vienna (1814-1815), which sought to restore European monarchies after Napoleon’s defeat. His remark highlights the influence of France's political climate on the rest of Europe, particularly in the context of the Napoleonic Wars and the spread of revolutionary ideas.
Updated On: Oct 11, 2025
  • Metternich
  • Napoleon
  • Louis Philippe
  • Churchill
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

The phrase "When France sneezes, the rest of Europe catches a cold" is attributed to Prince Klemens von Metternich, the Austrian diplomat and statesman. Metternich was deeply concerned with the political instability caused by revolutionary movements, particularly the French Revolution, which he believed had the potential to spread to the rest of Europe. His remark reflects the idea that political changes in France—especially revolutionary ones—would have far-reaching effects across Europe, inspiring similar movements in other countries. Metternich’s diplomacy played a key role in the efforts to suppress revolutionary movements during the early 19th century.
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