Principle of Intervention

Definition

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.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Principle of Intervention was first articulated during the Congress of Vienna in 1815 as a way to justify intervention against uprisings threatening conservative governments.
2. The principle was used by major powers such as Austria, Prussia, and Russia to intervene in various conflicts, such as the Greek War of Independence and later revolutions in France and Italy.
3. The concept reflects the tensions between conservative monarchies and emerging nationalist and liberal movements across Europe during the 19th century.
4. While initially successful in suppressing revolutions, the principle ultimately faced challenges as growing nationalist sentiments led to conflicts that could not be contained by intervention.
5. The decline of the Principle of Intervention coincided with the rise of more liberal ideologies and movements in the latter half of the 19th century, leading to significant political changes across Europe.

Review Questions

• How did the Principle of Intervention reflect the goals of conservative leaders following the Napoleonic Wars?
  • The Principle of Intervention was a direct reflection of conservative leaders' goals to maintain stability and suppress revolutionary movements that threatened their authority. After the turmoil caused by the Napoleonic Wars, these leaders sought to reinforce their control over their nations by justifying interventions in countries experiencing upheaval. This principle allowed them to collaborate with other major powers to quash any uprisings that could inspire similar sentiments elsewhere, thereby preserving the status quo in Europe.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Principle of Intervention in achieving its intended goals during the 19th century.
  • The Principle of Intervention had mixed effectiveness in achieving its goals throughout the 19th century. Initially, it successfully quelled several uprisings and maintained conservative governments in power, such as during the Greek War of Independence. However, as nationalist movements gained momentum and public support for liberal reforms increased, many interventions ultimately failed to contain unrest. The principle began to lose credibility as it became evident that oppressive measures could not permanently stifle popular demands for change.
• Analyze how shifts in public sentiment towards nationalism and liberalism contributed to the decline of the Principle of Intervention by the late 19th century.
  • By the late 19th century, a significant shift in public sentiment towards nationalism and liberalism increasingly challenged the validity of the Principle of Intervention. As more people began advocating for self-determination and democratic governance, conservative interventions appeared increasingly out-of-touch with popular aspirations. The rise of mass political movements and awareness among citizens about their rights diminished support for autocratic rule. Consequently, major powers found it increasingly difficult to justify interventions without facing backlash from both domestic populations and emerging nationalist movements, leading to a gradual decline in reliance on this principle.

Related terms

Concert of Europe: An alliance among European powers established after the Napoleonic Wars to maintain balance and prevent widespread conflict through diplomacy.

Conservatism: A political ideology that promotes maintaining traditional institutions, values, and social structures, often opposing rapid change and liberalism.

Revolutionary Movements: Political movements aimed at overthrowing existing governments or social orders, typically advocating for significant changes in society or governance.