Congress of Vienna / histoire-image.org

It happened in the 20th century (87)

The final act of the Congress of Vienna was signed on 9 June 1815. This document was highly significant, shaping the fate of Europe at the beginning of the 19th century. Convened to end ongoing territorial disputes and establish new political principles in Europe, the Congress of Vienna came after the bloody French Revolution and the exhausting Napoleonic Wars. Europe needed a new order to organise its political relations.

The Napoleonic Wars, which lasted from 1798 to 1815, brought about changes across Europe. Following Napoleon’s defeat at the Battle of Leipzig from 16 to 19 October 1813, it became apparent that he had lost. Russia, Austria, Prussia and the United Kingdom had formed an alliance against him. At two conferences, one in Langres in January 1814 and the other in Troyes the following month, the territorial division of Europe was discussed. On 9 March 1814, a further treaty was signed in Chaumont by the governments of Prussia, the United Kingdom, Austria and Russia. It was agreed that none of the signatory states would conclude separate treaties with France. They also undertook to maintain peace for 20 years after the end of hostilities with France.

Finally, Napoleon abdicated on 6 April 1814. King Louis XVIII took power in France on 3 May. A few weeks later, on 30 May, the Treaty of Paris was signed. Its most significant provision was the restoration of France’s 1792 borders and the return of its territories on the left bank of the Rhine. France retained most of its colonies and was not required to pay reparations for losses caused by the war. Key decisions were to be made at the Congress of Vienna.

Although the congress was never officially opened or closed, representatives of 16 countries took part. However, the rulers of Austria, France, the United Kingdom, Prussia and Russia played a decisive role. Notably, at no point during the negotiations did all participants convene for a joint plenary meeting.

The deliberations were attended by two emperors (the Russian and the Austrian), several kings and numerous German princes. In total, around 100,000 guests attended the deliberations, which involved 200 delegations.

The talks in Vienna actually started in September 1814. On 2 October, a masked ball was organised, marking the beginning of the social aspect of the talks. Over the next few months, meetings took place between representatives of individual countries. The format of the congress was unique. Important discussions took place during banquets, receptions and parties. The representatives of Russia, Austria, Prussia and the United Kingdom played a leading role. Later, a Committee of Eight was formed, including France, Spain, Portugal and Sweden, as well as the aforementioned countries. However, the four great powers had the decisive vote. Undoubtedly, Tsar Alexander I was the most influential figure at the congress. Not only did he excel socially, he also had strong political legitimacy.

Tired of wars and territorial disputes, the participants at the Congress of Vienna wanted, above all, to establish internal and external order. Thus, it was necessary to confirm the right of every ruler to the throne. It was also crucial to establish the principle that no country should gain a significant advantage over others in Europe. The talks generally focused on three concepts: restoration, legitimacy, and the balance of power. The Congress of Vienna is considered to have ended on 9 June 1815, when the final act was signed.

A key issue that was emphasized throughout the Congress was the Polish Question. Alexander I wanted to annex the Duchy of Warsaw to Russia. In exchange, he offered Prussia the entirety of Saxony. This was not welcomed by Austria or the United Kingdom. Ultimately, Prussia received two Saxon provinces, regaining some of the lands that had previously belonged to the Duchy of Warsaw. According to Alexander’s will, the Kingdom of Poland was established as a fully dependent state of the Russian Empire, which was undoubtedly proof of the failure of the Polish cause. The Kraków Republic was also established under the control of the three partitioning powers. The Grand Duchy of Poznań was also established under Prussian control.

Other significant outcomes of the Congress included the union of Belgium and the Netherlands, Sweden’s annexation of Norway, the restoration of the Papal States, and the establishment of the Kingdom of Sardinia. The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was also established. Russia gained Bessarabia. Switzerland gained three cantons. The United Kingdom received new colonies and France returned to its borders in 1789. France was also required to pay 700 million francs in contributions. The Congress also resulted in the establishment of the German Confederation, consisting of 34 states and four free cities.

During the Congress of Vienna, Napoleon Bonaparte attempted to regain power. He escaped from Elba, captured Paris, and amassed an army of over 100,000 loyal soldiers. However, he was defeated at the Battle of Waterloo on 18 June 1815. He was exiled to St Helena, where he spent the rest of his life.

Following the Congress of Vienna, a new alliance was formed in autumn 1815: the Holy Alliance, comprising Russia, Prussia, and Austria. Additionally, Switzerland’s perpetual neutrality was proclaimed.

Dr Rafał Leśkiewicz

Historian, archivist, IT manager. Director of the Press Office of the Institute of National Remembrance. In the past, he headed the archival department of the IPN and the Central Center for IT. Author, co-author, and editor of over 160 scientific, popular science, and journalistic publications.

Source: DlaPolonii.pl