๐๏ธ 1. What is Conservatism and How Does a Conservative Society Work?
๐น A. Meaning of Conservatism
- Conservatism is a political and social philosophy that supports traditional values, monarchies, and social hierarchies.
- After Napoleon's defeat in 1815, European conservatives aimed to restore pre-revolutionary order, re-establish monarchies, and suppress nationalist movements.
๐น B. Key Features of a Conservative Society
- Restoration of Monarchies โ Belief in ruling by divine right (God-given authority).
- Preservation of Nobility and Clergy โ Power remained with aristocrats and the Church.
- Opposition to Liberalism and Nationalism โ Feared democracy and equality would destroy monarchy.
- Control Over Economy and Society โ Protected aristocratic privileges and shaped policies.
- Censorship and Suppression โ Banned free speech and revolutionary ideas to maintain control.
๐น C. Conservatism After Napoleon
- Aimed to undo changes of the French Revolution and Napoleonic rule.
- Tried to prevent future revolutions through strict political control.
- The Congress of Vienna (1815) established a new conservative political system.
๐ 2. Treaty of Vienna (1815) and the Congress of Vienna
๐น A. Background
- Held in 1815 by Britain, Austria, Prussia, and Russia after Napoleon's defeat.
- Led by Austrian Chancellor Metternich.
- Goal: Restore monarchies and redraw Europe's map to ensure peace.
๐น B. Key Terms of the Treaty of Vienna
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Restoration of Monarchies
- France: Bourbon dynasty restored under Louis XVIII.
- Monarchies reinstated in Spain, Portugal, and Italian states.
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Re-drawing of European Boundaries
- France reduced to its 1792 borders.
- Netherlands and Belgium united.
- Prussia gained land along the Rhine.
- Austria took over Lombardy and Venetia in Italy.
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Creation of Balance of Power
- Prevent any one country from becoming too powerful.
- Alliances formed to keep peace and stop revolutions.
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Suppression of Liberal Movements
- Strict censorship imposed.
- Nationalist and democratic movements in Germany, Italy, and Eastern Europe were crushed.
๐ก๏ธ 3. Creation of a New Conservative Order After Napoleonโs Defeat
๐น A. Goals of the Conservative Order
- Restore monarchies.
- Stop liberal and nationalist ideas.
- Build strong alliances to resist revolutions.
๐น B. Impact on European Regions
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France
- Lost territories conquered by Napoleon.
- Bourbon monarchy restored; people remained unhappy.
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Italy and Germany
- Italy remained divided under foreign control.
- Germany became a confederation of 39 states, dominated by Austria.
- Nationalist ideas were suppressed, but unification happened later.
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Eastern Europe
- Poland divided among Russia, Austria, and Prussia.
- Russia expanded into Poland and Finland.
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Britain and Austria
- Britain gained colonies and naval strength.
- Austria became the leading power in Central Europe, ruling over many ethnic groups.
๐ฅ 4. Long-Term Effects of the Conservative Order
- The Vienna Congress delayed revolutions, but couldnโt stop them forever.
- New revolutions broke out in 1830 and 1848 in France, Italy, and Germany.
- By 1871, Germany and Italy were unified, showing that nationalism could not be suppressed permanently.
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Conclusion
The Treaty of Vienna (1815) helped create a conservative order in Europe by restoring monarchies and suppressing nationalism. However, liberal and nationalist ideas kept growing, leading to future revolutions and the unification of Germany and Italy in the 19th century.