🇪🇺ap european history review
6.5 The Concert of Europe and European Conservatism
Verified for the 2025 AP European History exam•Citation:MLA
The Aftermath of Napoleon: A Return to Order
Following Napoleon’s sweeping conquests and radical reforms, the traditional monarchies of Europe found themselves at a crossroads. His Napoleonic Code, liberal reforms, and nationalist ideas had ignited popular enthusiasm—but also shattered the old European order. When Napoleon was finally defeated at the Battle of Waterloo (1815) and exiled, conservative leaders moved quickly to prevent future uprisings and restore pre-revolutionary traditions.
Conservatives believed that the Enlightenment and Revolution had gone too far. In their eyes, human nature was not perfectible, and rapid change was dangerous.**
The Congress of Vienna: Undoing the Revolution
The Congress of Vienna (1814–1815) was a meeting of the Great Powers (Austria, Prussia, Russia, Britain, and post-Napoleonic France) led by Prince Klemens von Metternich of Austria. Their mission was clear: restore the old order, contain France, and ensure lasting peace in Europe.
Key Principles of the Congress:
- Legitimacy: Restore legitimate monarchs to power across Europe.
- Balance of Power: Prevent any one nation (especially France) from dominating the continent again.
- Containment of France: Strengthen surrounding states to check French aggression.
Poland was largely given to Russia, while Prussia received territories in the west (like the Rhineland). France was treated relatively leniently to avoid future resentment.
The Concert of Europe: Conservatism in Action
The Concert of Europe (1815–1848) was the diplomatic framework created after the Congress to preserve the status quo and suppress revolution. It included a Quadruple Alliance: Austria, Prussia, Russia, and Britain which committed to defending conservative values.
The Principle of Intervention
- Proposed by Metternich, this policy allowed Great Powers to use military force to suppress revolutions in any European state.
- England opposed the policy, fearing it gave too much power to reactionary governments and could provoke conflict.
The Concert of Europe operated through a series of congresses and diplomatic meetings. It maintained relative peace in Europe for nearly a century, though tensions and nationalist movements simmered beneath the surface.
Major Figures at the Congress of Vienna
| Name | Country | Main Goal(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Metternich | Austria | Restore monarchies, suppress revolution, control German/Italian states |
| Alexander I | Russia | Expand influence into Poland, maintain conservative alliance |
| Castlereagh | Britain | Prevent French dominance, balance power, oppose intervention |
| Talleyrand | France | Reintegrate France into Europe, prevent territorial losses |
| Hardenberg | Prussia | Gain land, especially in Poland and western Germany |
The Rise of Conservatism
As a political philosophy, conservatism arose in direct opposition to Enlightenment rationalism and revolutionary liberalism. Conservatives emphasized tradition, hierarchy, monarchy, and religious authority.
Klemens von Metternich
- Austrian foreign minister and chief architect of the post-Napoleonic order.
- Believed revolution was the result of Enlightenment arrogance and idealism.
- Advocated for strong monarchies, noble privilege, and the repression of dissent.
- Helped suppress revolts in Italy and the German states.
Edmund Burke
- Irish statesman and author of Reflections on the Revolution in France (1790).
- Opposed the rapid, radical changes of the French Revolution.
- Believed in gradual change rooted in tradition and experience.
- Emphasized that society was a partnership across generations, not to be easily restructured.
Joseph de Maistre
- French conservative thinker and devout Catholic.
- Rejected Enlightenment secularism and argued for the divine right of kings.
- Believed monarchy and religion were essential to human order and stability.
- Supported authoritarian rule to prevent chaos and anarchy.
Conservatism and Religion: A Revival of Authority
As conservatism took root, so too did a resurgence in religious authority. During the Enlightenment, the Church had lost ground to secular, rationalist thought. Now, leaders like de Maistre and Metternich helped revive the influence of religion in both politics and society.
⭐ The idea that “human nature is not perfectible” justified a return to moral and religious authority, arguing that divine guidance (not reason alone) was necessary for social order.
Challenges to the Conservative Order
Despite the apparent success of the Concert system, Europe was not immune to change:
- Nationalism and liberalism continued to simmer beneath the surface.
- Revolts broke out in Spain, Greece, Italy, and Germany during the 1820s and 1830s.
- By 1848, revolution erupted across Europe, shaking the very foundations the Congress of Vienna had tried to preserve. (get ready for unit 6.6…)
Conservatism may have delayed revolution—but it could not stop the wave of change.
Conclusion: Conservatism's High Point and Limits
The period from 1815–1848 was the golden age of European conservatism, defined by monarchical restoration, religious revival, and opposition to liberalism. But beneath this order, industrialization, nationalism, and democratic ideals were transforming society.
Though the Concert of Europe maintained peace for decades, its repressive measures often fueled the very revolutions it sought to prevent.
🎥 Watch: AP European History - Conservatism, Liberalism and Nationalism
Key Terms to Review (21)
Alexander I: Alexander I was the Emperor of Russia from 1801 to 1825, known for his role in the Napoleonic Wars and his contributions to the creation of the Concert of Europe. His reign saw significant political and social reforms in Russia, as well as a shift towards conservative ideals after initially supporting liberal ideas. He played a crucial part in establishing a balance of power in Europe post-Napoleon, which aligned with the principles of conservatism that sought to maintain the established order.
Castlereagh: Castlereagh refers to Robert Stewart, the Viscount Castlereagh, who was a prominent British statesman and foreign secretary in the early 19th century. He played a key role in shaping the post-Napoleonic order in Europe through his influence in the Congress of Vienna, emphasizing diplomacy and a balance of power. His efforts were foundational in establishing the Concert of Europe, a framework aimed at maintaining stability and conservative values across the continent.
Concert of Europe: The Concert of Europe was a system of cooperative international relations established after the Napoleonic Wars to maintain the balance of power and prevent further large-scale conflicts in Europe. This arrangement involved regular meetings and negotiations among the major powers, aiming to resolve disputes peacefully and uphold conservative principles against revolutionary movements.
Congress of Vienna: The Congress of Vienna was a diplomatic conference held from 1814 to 1815 aimed at restoring stability and order in Europe after the upheaval caused by the Napoleonic Wars. It was significant for redrawing the map of Europe, balancing power among the major nations, and establishing a framework for future international diplomacy.
Conservatism Arises: Conservatism arises as a political and social philosophy that emphasizes the preservation of traditional institutions, practices, and values. In the aftermath of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars, conservative thinkers and leaders sought to restore stability and order by advocating for a hierarchical society, monarchy, and the importance of religion in governance. This ideology became foundational in shaping the political landscape of Europe during the 19th century, particularly within the framework of the Concert of Europe.
Edmund Burke: Edmund Burke was an Irish statesman, political theorist, and philosopher, known for his critique of the French Revolution and his advocacy for conservative principles. His work emphasized the importance of tradition, gradual change, and the dangers of radicalism, making him a key figure in shaping conservative thought in response to the upheaval caused by revolutionary movements in Europe.
First Industrial Revolution: The First Industrial Revolution was a period of significant technological, socioeconomic, and cultural change that began in Britain in the late 18th century and spread to Europe and beyond. It marked a shift from agrarian economies to industrialized ones, characterized by the introduction of machinery, factory systems, and new energy sources like coal. This transformation laid the groundwork for subsequent industrialization phases and influenced social structures, economic theories, and political ideologies.
French Revolution: The French Revolution was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France from 1789 to 1799, which fundamentally changed the structure of French society and government. It marked the rise of popular sovereignty, the end of absolute monarchy, and the birth of modern democracy, influencing revolutionary movements worldwide.
Hardenberg: Karl August von Hardenberg was a prominent Prussian statesman and a key figure in the development of European conservatism during the early 19th century. He played a vital role in the Concert of Europe, advocating for stability and order following the upheaval caused by the Napoleonic Wars. His policies emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance of power and promoting conservative values across Europe to counteract revolutionary movements.
Joseph de Maistre: Joseph de Maistre was a French philosopher and diplomat known for his strong advocacy of conservative thought in response to the French Revolution. He emphasized the importance of tradition, authority, and religious faith as essential components of a stable society. His writings played a significant role in shaping European conservatism and influencing the Concert of Europe, which sought to maintain order and prevent revolutionary upheaval across the continent.
Klemens von Metternich: Klemens von Metternich was an influential Austrian diplomat and statesman who played a pivotal role in European politics during the early 19th century, particularly known for his leadership in the Congress of Vienna. His main focus was to restore conservative order and maintain stability in Europe following the upheaval caused by the Napoleonic Wars. Metternich's efforts were instrumental in establishing the framework for the Concert of Europe, which sought to balance power among nations and suppress revolutionary movements across the continent.
Metternich: Klemens von Metternich was an Austrian diplomat and statesman who played a crucial role in shaping European politics during the early 19th century, particularly after the Napoleonic Wars. As the foreign minister and later the Chancellor of Austria, he was a leading figure in the establishment of the Concert of Europe, which sought to maintain a balance of power and suppress revolutionary movements across the continent. His policies were deeply rooted in conservatism, emphasizing stability, tradition, and the preservation of monarchical authority.
Napoleon the Radical: Napoleon the Radical refers to the transformative and often controversial policies and actions taken by Napoleon Bonaparte during his rule, particularly in the context of the spread of revolutionary ideas and reforms across Europe. His radical changes included implementing legal equality, secularism, and meritocracy, which had lasting impacts on the political landscape and fueled both support and opposition from conservative factions in Europe.
Poland's annexation by Russia and Prussia: Poland's annexation by Russia and Prussia refers to the series of partitions that occurred in the late 18th century, where the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was divided among the Russian Empire, the Kingdom of Prussia, and the Habsburg Monarchy. This event significantly altered the political landscape of Europe and showcased the growing power of autocratic states, which aligned with European conservatism and the principles upheld by the Concert of Europe aimed at maintaining stability and preventing revolutions.
Principle of Intervention: The Principle of Intervention is the concept that major European powers have the right to intervene in the affairs of other countries to maintain stability and order, particularly when it involves preserving legitimate governments. This principle emerged from the desire of conservative leaders to suppress revolutionary movements and maintain the status quo in the wake of the Napoleonic Wars. It reflects the broader goals of the Concert of Europe, which aimed to prevent the spread of liberalism and nationalism across the continent.
Principle of Legitimacy: The Principle of Legitimacy is a political doctrine that emerged after the Napoleonic Wars, advocating that legitimate rulers should be restored to power and that monarchies should be upheld as the rightful governing authority. This principle aimed to stabilize Europe by reinstating traditional monarchies and opposing revolutionary movements, reflecting the conservative ideals of the time. It was a key component of the diplomatic framework established during the Concert of Europe, which sought to maintain peace and order in post-Napoleonic Europe.
Quadruple Alliance (Austria, Britain, Russia, Prussia): The Quadruple Alliance was a coalition formed in 1815 among Austria, Britain, Russia, and Prussia to maintain the balance of power in Europe after the defeat of Napoleon. This alliance aimed to prevent the resurgence of French aggression and promote stability through cooperation among the major powers, establishing a framework for the Concert of Europe and reinforcing conservative principles in governance across the continent.
Restoration of the Balance of Power: The Restoration of the Balance of Power refers to the diplomatic strategy employed by European nations in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars, aimed at preventing any single state from becoming too powerful and threatening the stability of Europe. This principle guided the actions of major powers during the Congress of Vienna and influenced subsequent international relations, reflecting a conservative approach to governance that sought to maintain existing hierarchies and monarchies.
Strengthen Countries around France: Strengthening countries around France refers to the political strategy adopted in the early 19th century aimed at enhancing the power and stability of neighboring states to contain French influence and prevent the spread of revolutionary ideals. This approach was central to the establishment of a balance of power in Europe, ensuring that no single nation could dominate the continent, particularly after the upheaval caused by the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. The desire to create a buffer against potential French aggression led to concerted efforts to support and legitimize monarchies in neighboring territories.
Talleyrand: Talleyrand, whose full name was Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, was a prominent French diplomat and statesman known for his significant influence during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He played a key role in shaping European politics, navigating through the turbulent times of the French Revolution, Napoleon's empire, and the restoration of monarchies at the Congress of Vienna. His ability to adapt to various regimes made him a central figure in the emergence of the Concert of Europe and the consolidation of European conservatism.
Waterloo: Waterloo refers to the decisive battle fought on June 18, 1815, where the forces of the Duke of Wellington and Prussian General Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher defeated Napoleon Bonaparte's army. This battle marked the end of the Napoleonic Wars and led to Napoleon's final exile, reshaping European politics and establishing a new balance of power that would influence the Concert of Europe and the rise of conservative ideologies.