To what extent did Metternich contribute to the maintenance of peace in Europe in 1815-1848?

Authors Avatar

To what extent did Metternich contribute to the maintenance of peace in Europe in 1815-1848?

        In 1815, what Europe needed most was international peace. The main job of the Congress was to ensure that there would be no further aggression from France. Hence surrounding her were the strong bulwarks. The territorial arrangement of 1815 preserved the structure of the balance of power which became the main stay of peace until 1853. This was attributable at least in part to Metternich's support.

        Russia and Prussia emerged as strong powers from the Napoleonic wars. From Austria's militant neighbours Metternich felt threats. Over the future of Saxony and Poland he aided with Castlereagh to protest against Russia and Prussian excessive demands in order to keep the balance of power.

        At Aix-la-Chapelle, Metternich joined Castlereagh in protesting against the Tsar's suggestion for sending an expedition to crush revolts in the Spanish colonies in South America. Metternich preferred the maintenance of the balance of power to Russian leadership in international affairs. Thus the Tsar's project received no support. Metternich was for the admission of France to the Quadruple Alliance. Though it was meant to strengthen the rule of the Bourbon at the same time, European balance was adjusted against Russia and Prussia.

Join now!

        In 1820, liberal movement spread from Spain and Portugal to Italy and Greece, Metternich then hastened to adopt the policy of intervention, despite the British protest. The Troppau Protocol as well as the decisions taken at the Congresses of Laibach and Verona was to his heart's content. Uprisings in Naples and Piedmont were crushed by Austria and that in Spain by France. From the point of view of the union of kings, the Congress System under Metternich's manipulations ensured domestic stability in the European states. In fact, in the long run, repression only increased the tension between the absolutism ...

This is a preview of the whole essay