Congress of Vienna

Follow the story · Four stages

1. 01

   Background

   After Napoleon's defeat, European states had to settle territorial claims and rebuild a workable balance of power. The leading powers sought both restoration and safeguards against renewed domination by one state.

   • After Napoleon's defeat, European states had to settle territorial claims and rebuild a workable balance of power.
   • The leading powers sought both restoration and safeguards against renewed domination by one state.
   • Core event: The international congress held in Vienna in 1814–1815 to reorder Europe after the Napoleonic Wars.

   
2. 02

   Course

   Delegates negotiated through formal committees and extensive informal diplomacy from autumn 1814. Metternich of Austria, Alexander I of Russia, and Talleyrand of France were among the central actors, while Napoleon's Hundred Days added urgency to the final settlement.

   • Delegates negotiated through formal committees and extensive informal diplomacy from autumn 1814.
   • Metternich of Austria, Alexander I of Russia, and Talleyrand of France were among the central actors, while Napoleon's Hundred Days added urgency to the final settlement.
   • Conditions behind the action: After Napoleon's defeat, European states had to settle territorial claims and rebuild a workable balance of power. The leading powers sought both restoration and safeguards against renewed domination by one state.

   
3. 03

   Outcome

   The Final Act of 9 June 1815 recorded territorial settlements, the German Confederation, Swiss neutrality, and rules for international river navigation. France returned to great-power diplomacy and a five-power balance emerged.

   • The Final Act of 9 June 1815 recorded territorial settlements, the German Confederation, Swiss neutrality, and rules for international river navigation.
   • France returned to great-power diplomacy and a five-power balance emerged.
   • Process producing the result: Delegates negotiated through formal committees and extensive informal diplomacy from autumn 1814. Metternich of Austria, Alexander I of Russia, and Talleyrand of France were among the central actors, while Napoleon's Hundred Days added urgency to the final settlement.

   
4. 04

   Historical significance

   The settlement helped establish the Concert of Europe and shaped great-power relations for decades. Its emphasis on dynastic legitimacy and restoration also worked against liberal and nationalist demands, leaving tensions that later movements would challenge.

   • The settlement helped establish the Concert of Europe and shaped great-power relations for decades.
   • Its emphasis on dynastic legitimacy and restoration also worked against liberal and nationalist demands, leaving tensions that later movements would challenge.
   • Immediate consequence: The Final Act of 9 June 1815 recorded territorial settlements, the German Confederation, Swiss neutrality, and rules for international river navigation. France returned to great-power diplomacy and a five-power balance emerged.