6.1.11 Conservatism At Work The System Of Metternich, 1815- 1848

Summary

The script explores the rise of conservatism in 19th-century Europe after Napoleon's defeat in 1815, focusing on the conservative order established by the Congress of Vienna. It discusses the formation of the Concert of Europe, the role of Metternich in maintaining stability, and the suppression of liberal and nationalist movements across Austria, Germany, and Italy. Despite initial successes in preserving the status quo, the conservative system faced mounting challenges from growing revolutionary forces. Metternich’s rigid policies ultimately collapsed during the uprisings of 1848, marking the end of an era for conservative governance in Europe.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Congress of Vienna (1815) restored conservative regimes in Europe, marking the triumph of conservatism following Napoleon's defeat.
• 😀 Conservatism, in the early 19th century, was more focused on practical politics than on theoretical ideology, aiming to preserve the status quo before the French Revolution.
• 😀 The 'Concert of Europe' was formed by Austria, Britain, Prussia, and Russia to maintain peace and prevent the resurgence of revolutionary movements.
• 😀 The 'Holy Alliance' proposed by Tsar Alexander I aimed to base European politics on Christian principles, though it was largely seen as impractical and symbolic.
• 😀 The Concert of Europe held periodic congresses to solve emerging problems, but internal disagreements, particularly between Austria/Russia and Britain, led to its decline.
• 😀 Metternich, the Austrian Chancellor, sought to preserve Austria's autocratic empire by suppressing liberalism, nationalism, and ethnic self-identity.
• 😀 Metternich believed in divine right monarchs and centralization, viewing any opposition to this as a threat to the social order that must be crushed.
• 😀 Metternich's policies were highly conservative, suppressing liberal movements in Germany, Austria, and Italy, often resorting to censorship and state control.
• 😀 The rise of liberal movements and revolutions, like the 1830 July Revolution in France and the February Revolution of 1848, led to the eventual collapse of Metternich's system.
• 😀 While Metternich aimed to preserve the status quo and avoid war, his rigid system ultimately failed to adapt to the political changes sweeping Europe.
• 😀 By 1848, Metternich’s system had broken down, with his resignation marking the end of an era of conservative dominance in Europe.

Q & A

What were the main objectives of conservatism in early 19th-century Europe after Napoleon's defeat?

The main objectives of conservatism were to preserve the status quo before the French Revolution of 1789, maintain stability and the borders redefined by the Congress of Vienna, and to avoid the spread of revolutionary ideas like liberalism, nationalism, and democracy.

What was the Concert of Europe, and what were its two key components?

The Concert of Europe was a system of international cooperation among the four powers—Austria, Britain, Prussia, and Russia—to preserve stability in Europe. Its two key components were the Quadruple Alliance, which aimed to keep these powers united for 20 years, and the Holy Alliance, which was a proposal by Tsar Alexander I to base European politics on Christian principles.

Why was the Holy Alliance criticized by contemporaries?

The Holy Alliance was criticized for being impractical and overly idealistic, as it proposed that European states should conduct affairs based on Christian principles of love, peace, and charity, which many viewed as unrealistic and ineffective in the realm of practical politics.

How did Britain and Austria differ in their approach to the Concert of Europe?

Austria and Russia wanted the Concert of Europe to act as a barrier against revolutionary movements and change, while Britain preferred a more flexible approach, advocating for a controlled and measured flow of change, rather than a rigid suppression of revolutionary ideas.

What role did Metternich play in the post-Napoleonic political order?

Metternich, as the Chancellor of Austria, was the central figure in shaping European conservatism. He sought to preserve Austria's autocratic and centralized empire, suppress nationalist and liberal movements, and maintain the status quo across Europe through a series of interventions and strict policies.

What was Metternich's view on nationalism and liberalism?

Metternich saw nationalism and liberalism as threats to the stability of the Austrian Empire. He believed that nationalism would lead to the dissolution of the empire, and liberalism, which promoted participatory governance and reforms, was a danger to the existing order. He viewed both ideologies as destructive forces.

What was the purpose of the Protocol of Troppau and how did it reflect Metternich's policies?

The Protocol of Troppau, adopted by the Concert of Europe, authorized intervention in the internal affairs of countries experiencing revolutionary movements. This reflected Metternich’s commitment to suppressing any challenges to the existing political order and ensuring stability through intervention if necessary.

How did Metternich manage internal challenges in Austria and Germany?

Metternich managed internal challenges by implementing strict censorship, controlling educational institutions, and suppressing nationalist and liberal movements. In Germany, he used measures like the Carlsbad Decrees to control universities and prevent the spread of liberal ideas.

What were the long-term consequences of Metternich's conservative policies?

While Metternich successfully preserved stability for a time, his rigid adherence to conservatism led to the eventual breakdown of his system. Nationalist and liberal movements gained strength, culminating in revolutions like the 1848 revolutions, which forced Metternich to resign and marked the decline of the conservative order.

What ultimately led to the fall of the Concert of Europe?

The fall of the Concert of Europe was triggered by several factors, including the Monroe Doctrine, which warned European powers against interfering in the Americas, and growing divisions among the powers, especially between Britain and Austria. The rise of nationalist movements, such as the Greek War of Independence, further weakened the concert's influence.