Reshaping Europe: French Revolution & Vienna Congress Legacy

The French Revolution: Causes and Consequences

Roots of Revolution: Key Causes

• Desire for greater societal representation
• Opposition to the absolutist regime
• Severe economic crisis and widespread food shortages
• Significant chasm between elites and the working class (proletarians)
• Political aspirations of the bourgeoisie
• Monarchy's inability to adapt to political and social demands
• Influence of Enlightenment thought and the American Revolution

Impact and Aftermath: Consequences of the Revolution

• The Napoleonic Wars, reshaping the European map
• Widespread dissemination of revolutionary ideas across Europe
• Establishment of new regimes founded on values such as liberty, fraternity, and equality
• Unfulfilled aspirations for the Third Estate, leading to further hostility (e.g., the Jacobin Terror)
• Re-establishment of an absolutist regime with the rise of the First French Empire

Key Achievement: Citizen Rights

The most important achievement of this revolution was the improvement of citizens' rights, though these rights were not extended to women.

The Congress of Vienna (1814-1815): Reshaping Europe

Though not a formal legislative body, the Congress of Vienna was a pivotal diplomatic conference that profoundly changed the political landscape of Europe. It is also known as the "Dancing Congress" due to the numerous concerts and social events featuring famous musicians like Beethoven and Schumann that accompanied the negotiations.

Key Participants

• Austria
• Russia
• Prussia
• Great Britain
• France

Behind the Scenes: Negotiations and Decisions

Intense negotiations took place behind the scenes, leading to significant territorial and political realignments:

• Saxony: A portion was ceded to Prussia.
• Duchy of Warsaw: Largely incorporated into the Russian Empire.
• German States: The Holy Roman Empire had already dissolved in 1806; the German Confederation was established, replacing the fragmented former imperial territories. Germany's desire for unification was not addressed by the Congress.
• Italy: Remained fragmented into various states.
• The Netherlands: Belgium was joined with Holland to form the United Kingdom of the Netherlands.
• Switzerland: Its eternal neutrality was formally established.

Abolition of the Slave Trade

The Congress of Vienna saw the abolition of the slave trade in Europe in 1815. However, Portugal and France initially opposed this due to their colonial interests. It is important to note that while the slave trade was abolished, the possession of slaves was not.

Diplomatic Protocol

The Congress also established and standardized diplomatic protocol, which remains influential to this day.

Key Figures and Alliances Post-Congress

Klemens von Metternich: Principles of the New Order

Austrian statesman Klemens von Metternich championed two core principles for the post-Napoleonic European order:

• Legitimacy: Upholding the dynastic rights of traditional monarchs.
• Balance of Powers: Preventing any single nation from dominating Europe.

Formal Alliances for Stability

The Holy Alliance

Formed by:

• Prussia (King Frederick William III)
• Russia (Tsar Alexander I)
• Austria (Emperor Francis I)

This alliance aimed to uphold Christian values and suppress revolutionary movements.

The Quadruple Alliance

Comprising:

• Prussia
• Russia
• Austria
• Great Britain

This alliance was primarily focused on maintaining the peace settlement established at Vienna and preventing a resurgence of French aggression.