The Congress of Vienna: Crash Course European History #23

How Did Europe Restore Order After the French Revolution?

The Congress of Vienna

• John Green introduces the topic of restoring order in Europe post-French Revolution through the Congress of Vienna.

• European leaders sought to revert to conservatism, believing Enlightenment ideas had led to turmoil and misery; they aimed for a return to monarchies and traditional values.

• The Congress included representatives from major powers: Russia, Habsburg Empire, Prussia, Britain, and France. Their goal was to restore stability by reinstating the French royal family.

Key Figures and Actions

• Louis XVIII was restored as king of France; his acceptance was crucial for stabilizing the monarchy after his brother's execution.

• Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord played a significant role at the Congress despite being a former minister under Napoleon; he switched sides to support Louis XVIII.

• Initially moderate terms for France became harsher after Napoleon's return in 1815, leading to an indemnity imposed on France following its defeat at Waterloo.

Metternich’s Influence

• Prince Klemens von Metternich dominated negotiations with concerns about revolution and Russian expansionism; he employed secret police and censorship to suppress liberal ideas.

• Metternich believed that a strong monarchy in France would help balance power against Russia, aiming for sociopolitical equilibrium across Europe.

Balance of Power Concept

• The "balance of power" concept emerged as central to European politics; it suggested distributing power among nations could prevent conflict—akin to balancing Jenga pieces.

• Territorial divisions were made: Britain gained territories in the Indian Ocean and Caribbean while Prussia received parts of Saxony. Poland's fate remained contentious.

Lasting Impacts of the Congress

• The Congress established a framework for international relations focused on balance and cooperation among great powers, influencing geopolitics into the 20th century.

The Role of Tradition and Romanticism in Post-Revolutionary Thought

The Conservative Emphasis on Tradition

• Conservatives highlighted the importance of tradition, viewing monarchy as a stabilizing institution that had persisted for centuries.

• The aristocracy claimed superiority based on their long-standing leadership, contrasting with the emerging middle-class values centered around hard work and financial success.

Nostalgia for the Past

• There was a revival of interest in religious values, leading to the formation of a Holy Alliance among Russia, Prussia, and Austria to promote Christian obedience.

• Aristocratic Catholics in France identified as "socialists," focusing on community welfare rather than revolutionary change associated with Marxist socialism.

Shifts in Allegiance and National Identity

• In Protestant regions, a second Great Awakening emphasized emotional religious experiences over strict theological doctrines.

• Conservatives viewed nations as products of historical evolution rather than constructs based on Enlightenment principles like constitutions or rule of law.

Clashes Between Social Classes

• Tensions arose between agrarian interests of landed aristocrats and the progressive aspirations of urban industrialists seeking infrastructure improvements.

The Rise of Romanticism

• Romanticism emerged as a dominant cultural force post-revolution, prioritizing emotion over reason and nature over industrialization.

• Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" illustrated the dangers of unchecked reason through its narrative about isolation and lack of human connection.

Exploration Through Literature and Art

• Alexander Pushkin's "Eugene Onegin" contrasted romantic emotions with traditional courtship practices, exploring complex human relationships.

• Romantic poets celebrated exoticism and nature while critiquing rationality; artists depicted idealized visions far removed from reality.

Musical Expression in Romanticism

The Evolution of Individualism and Historical Narratives

The Rise of Individualism in Enlightenment Thought

• Individualism emerged prominently during the Enlightenment, particularly through Rousseau's exploration of personal emotions, influencing post-revolutionary ideologies.

• Romantic individualism celebrated unique talents and genius, shifting focus from collective rights to the significance of individual contributions in society.

The Great Man Theory in History

• Post-revolutionary narratives began to idolize the "Great Man," often military figures, as pivotal agents of historical change.

• Despite recognizing collaborative efforts behind inventions and achievements, history tends to spotlight singular individuals like Edison or Napoleon.

The Impact of Revolutionary Ideals

• The Congress of Vienna's conservative efforts failed to suppress revolutionary ideals that emphasized community citizenship over monarchal subjects.