Diplomatic History of Europe 1500 - 2000 | The Congress of Vienna (Lecture 13)

Lecture 13: As our course turns to examine the period of Europe’s classical balance of power (1815–1914), we begin by exploring the drama and significance of the pivotal international Congress of Vienna in 1815, presided over by the brilliant Prince von Metternich of Austria (called “The Coachman of Europe” for his diplomatic ability). Amid balls and festivities, the Congress gathered the powers that had triumphed over Napoleon (joined by the restored French kingdom) to construct an order founded on conservative solidarity and the values of legitimacy and opposition to revolution; this so-called Concert of Europe would enjoy remarkable success over the next decades. In fact, general war in Europe was avoided for nearly a century after its establishment. At the same time, subtle diplomacy by the French diplomat Talleyrand achieved unexpected gains for defeated France.

Essential Reading:
Henry Kissinger, Diplomacy, pp. 78–102.

Supplementary Reading:
Harold Nicolson, The Congress of Vienna: A Study in Allied Unity, 1812–1822.