The Rise of Nationalism in Europe | Conservatism and the Congress of Vienna
CLASS 10 HISTORY – CHAPTER 1
The Rise of Nationalism in Europe
1. Full Notes
Introduction
The French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars brought major political and social changes to Europe. Ideas such as liberty, equality, nationalism and constitutional government challenged the old system of monarchy and aristocratic privileges.
After the defeat of Napoleon in 1815, European rulers wanted to restore the old political order and prevent the spread of revolutionary ideas.
This political approach was known as Conservatism.
The major meeting held to reorganise Europe after Napoleon's defeat was the Congress of Vienna.
2. Meaning of Conservatism
Conservatism was a political philosophy that emphasised the importance of traditional institutions, monarchy, social hierarchy, property and established customs.
Conservatives generally wanted to preserve the traditional political and social order.
They believed that sudden revolutionary changes could create instability.
Main Features of Conservatism
Support for traditional institutions
Support for monarchy
Respect for established customs
Protection of aristocratic privileges
Opposition to sudden revolutionary changes
Importance of social stability
Protection of private property
Restoration of old ruling families
3. Conservatism after 1815
After Napoleon's defeat, conservative rulers became concerned about the spread of:
Liberalism
Nationalism
Revolutionary ideas
Constitutional government
Democratic movements
They wanted to restore the traditional political order that had existed before the French Revolution.
Therefore, the period after 1815 saw an attempt to establish a conservative political system in Europe.
4. The Congress of Vienna
The Congress of Vienna was a major diplomatic meeting held in 1815 after the defeat of Napoleon.
Its main purpose was to reorganise Europe and establish a stable political order.
The Congress was hosted by Austrian Chancellor Duke Metternich.
Important Point
Congress of Vienna → 1815 → Restoration of conservative order
5. Duke Metternich
Duke Metternich was the Austrian Chancellor and one of the most important conservative leaders of Europe.
He played a leading role in the Congress of Vienna.
Metternich strongly opposed liberal and nationalist movements because he believed they could threaten the existing monarchies.
His policies supported:
Monarchy
Traditional institutions
Political stability
Suppression of revolutionary movements
6. Main Objectives of the Congress of Vienna
The major objectives were:
1. Restoration of Monarchies
The Congress aimed to restore monarchies that had been removed during the Napoleonic period.
2. Establishment of Conservative Order
It wanted to strengthen traditional political institutions.
3. Prevention of Future French Expansion
The European powers wanted to prevent France from becoming powerful enough to dominate Europe again.
4. Reorganisation of European Territories
European boundaries were rearranged to create a balance of power.
5. Political Stability
The powers wanted to prevent revolutionary movements from spreading.
7. Restoration of Monarchies
One of the important aims of the Congress was the restoration of monarchies.
The rulers who had been displaced during the Napoleonic period were brought back to power in several parts of Europe.
This process is called Restoration.
Meaning of Restoration
Restoration means bringing back an old ruling dynasty or political system that had previously been removed.
8. Balance of Power
The Congress of Vienna tried to establish a balance of power in Europe.
The major European powers wanted to prevent any one country from becoming powerful enough to dominate the continent.
France's power had expanded greatly under Napoleon.
After his defeat, the European powers reorganised territories to prevent similar domination in the future.
Main Idea:
No single European power should become strong enough to dominate the others.
9. Changes Made in Europe
The Congress of Vienna made several territorial changes.
France
France lost the territories it had annexed under Napoleon.
Kingdom of the Netherlands
A new Kingdom of the Netherlands was created in the north of France.
It included the former Austrian Netherlands.
Prussia
Prussia was given important territories on its western borders.
Austria
Austria received control over territories in northern Italy.
German States
A German Confederation of 39 states was established.
It replaced the earlier arrangement of the German territories.
10. German Confederation
The Congress of Vienna created a German Confederation consisting of 39 states.
These states remained politically separate.
They were loosely connected through the Confederation.
Important Point
The German Confederation did not create a unified German nation-state.
Instead, it maintained a loose political association of German states.
11. Why Was the Congress of Vienna Conservative?
The Congress was conservative because it attempted to:
Restore monarchies
Protect traditional institutions
Strengthen aristocratic power
Prevent revolutionary movements
Oppose liberal and nationalist ideas
Maintain political stability
Thus, the settlement of 1815 represented a return to conservative political principles.
12. Conservatism and Revolution
Conservative rulers feared revolutionary movements.
The French Revolution had demonstrated that ordinary people could challenge monarchies and traditional privileges.
Therefore, after 1815, conservative governments attempted to prevent similar revolutions.
They used:
Censorship
Police surveillance
Restrictions on political activities
Suppression of revolutionary organisations
Control over universities and publications
13. Metternich and Suppression of Liberalism
Metternich considered liberal and nationalist movements a threat to the conservative order.
Under conservative governments, many revolutionary activists were monitored or suppressed.
Political organisations that promoted revolutionary ideas were often restricted.
The authorities also used censorship to control the publication of political ideas.
14. Censorship
Censorship means controlling or restricting what can be published, printed or communicated.
Conservative governments used censorship to prevent the spread of:
Liberal ideas
Nationalist ideas
Revolutionary ideas
Criticism of monarchies
Newspapers, books and political writings could be monitored or restricted.
15. Conservatism and Nationalism
Conservatives generally opposed nationalist movements when nationalism threatened existing empires and monarchies.
Many European empires contained people belonging to different linguistic and cultural communities.
Nationalist demands for self-government could therefore threaten existing political structures.
As a result, conservative rulers often opposed nationalist movements.
16. Conservatism and Liberalism
Conservatism and liberalism represented different political approaches.
Conservatism
Supported monarchy
Favoured traditional institutions
Valued social stability
Protected established privileges
Opposed sudden political change
Liberalism
Supported individual freedom
Favoured equality before law
Supported constitutional government
Challenged hereditary privileges
Favoured political reform
17. Congress of Vienna and France
The Congress of Vienna attempted to prevent France from again becoming a dominant power in Europe.
France was surrounded by stronger states and territories.
The aim was to create a balance of power that would discourage future French expansion.
18. Congress of Vienna and Europe
The settlement of 1815 attempted to create a stable European political system.
The major European powers cooperated to maintain the new arrangement.
The system was based on:
Restoration + Balance of Power + Conservative Order
19. Importance of the Congress of Vienna
The Congress of Vienna was important because:
It reorganised Europe after the Napoleonic Wars.
It restored many monarchies.
It established a conservative political order.
It attempted to create a balance of power.
It redrew European boundaries.
It created the German Confederation of 39 states.
It tried to prevent future French expansion.
It strengthened conservative governments.
It encouraged the suppression of revolutionary movements.
It shaped European politics after 1815.
20. Limitations of the Congress of Vienna
Although the Congress created a temporary political settlement, it could not permanently stop:
Liberalism
Nationalism
Revolutionary movements
Demands for constitutional government
Demands for national self-determination
These ideas continued to spread throughout Europe.
The revolutions of 1830 and 1848 demonstrated that nationalist and liberal movements remained powerful.
21. Conservatism and the Rise of Revolutionaries
After 1815, conservative governments attempted to suppress liberal and nationalist activities.
As a result, many revolutionaries worked secretly.
They formed organisations and developed networks to spread revolutionary ideas.
One of the most famous revolutionaries was Giuseppe Mazzini of Italy.
He believed that nations should be united and governed as independent republics.
22. Relationship Between Congress of Vienna and Nationalism
The Congress of Vienna attempted to restore the old political order.
However, nationalism continued to grow.
Nationalists wanted:
National unity
Self-government
Constitutional government
Independence
End of foreign rule
Thus, the conservative settlement of 1815 existed alongside growing nationalist movements.
23. Cause-and-Effect Chain
French Revolution
↓
Spread of Liberal and Nationalist Ideas
↓
Napoleonic Expansion
↓
Defeat of Napoleon
↓
Congress of Vienna – 1815
↓
Restoration of Monarchies
↓
Conservative Order
↓
Suppression of Liberal and Nationalist Movements
↓
Growth of Revolutionary Organisations
↓
Revolutions of 1830 and 1848
24. Conservatism vs Liberalism
| Conservatism | Liberalism |
|---|---|
| Supported monarchy | Supported constitutional government |
| Favoured traditional institutions | Favoured political reform |
| Valued social stability | Valued individual freedom |
| Protected established privileges | Opposed hereditary privileges |
| Opposed sudden revolutionary change | Supported political change |
| Favoured traditional order | Favoured equality before law |
25. Congress of Vienna – Quick Table
| Point | Information |
|---|---|
| Year | 1815 |
| Main Purpose | Reorganise Europe after Napoleon |
| Host | Austria |
| Important Leader | Duke Metternich |
| Political Approach | Conservatism |
| Major Aim | Restoration and stability |
| Important Principle | Balance of Power |
| German Arrangement | Confederation of 39 states |
| Result | Conservative political order |
26. Important Terms
Conservatism
A political philosophy supporting traditional institutions, monarchy and established social order.
Restoration
The return of old ruling dynasties or political systems.
Congress of Vienna
The 1815 meeting of European powers to reorganise Europe after Napoleon's defeat.
Duke Metternich
Austrian Chancellor and leading conservative figure at the Congress of Vienna.
Balance of Power
A system intended to prevent one European power from becoming dominant.
Censorship
Control or restriction of published or communicated information.
German Confederation
A loose association of 39 German states established in 1815.
Liberalism
A political idea supporting individual freedom, equality before law and constitutional government.
Nationalism
A political and cultural idea based on a sense of common national identity and the desire for national unity or self-government.
27. Important Dates
1789
French Revolution.
1815
Defeat of Napoleon and Congress of Vienna.
1830
Revolutionary movements spread in Europe.
1848
Major liberal and nationalist revolutions in Europe.
28. Quick Revision Points
Napoleon was defeated in 1815.
European powers met at the Congress of Vienna.
The Congress was hosted by Austria.
Duke Metternich played a leading role.
The Congress followed conservative principles.
Monarchies were restored.
European territories were reorganised.
A balance of power was established.
A German Confederation of 39 states was created.
Conservative governments attempted to suppress liberal and nationalist movements.
Censorship and political restrictions were used.
Nationalism and liberalism continued to grow.
The revolutions of 1830 and 1848 challenged the conservative order.
29. 50 MCQs
1. When was the Congress of Vienna held?
A. 1789
B. 1804
C. 1815
D. 1848
Answer: C. 1815
2. Who hosted the Congress of Vienna?
A. Napoleon
B. Duke Metternich
C. Giuseppe Mazzini
D. Otto von Bismarck
Answer: B. Duke Metternich
3. Duke Metternich was the Chancellor of:
A. France
B. Austria
C. Prussia
D. Britain
Answer: B. Austria
4. The Congress of Vienna was held after the defeat of:
A. Louis XVI
B. Napoleon
C. Mazzini
D. Garibaldi
Answer: B. Napoleon
5. Conservatism mainly supported:
A. Sudden revolution
B. Traditional institutions
C. Universal democracy
D. Political anarchy
Answer: B. Traditional institutions
6. The Congress of Vienna aimed to:
A. Spread revolution
B. Reorganise Europe
C. Destroy monarchies
D. Establish republics everywhere
Answer: B. Reorganise Europe
7. Which principle was important at the Congress of Vienna?
A. Balance of power
B. Universal suffrage
C. Socialism
D. Colonial independence
Answer: A. Balance of power
8. What was one aim of the Congress?
A. Prevent future French expansion
B. Strengthen Napoleon
C. Abolish all monarchies
D. Establish democracy everywhere
Answer: A. Prevent future French expansion
9. What happened to many monarchies after 1815?
A. They were restored
B. They were completely abolished
C. They became republics
D. They became colonies
Answer: A. They were restored
10. What did the Congress attempt to maintain?
A. Political stability
B. Revolutionary instability
C. Colonial rebellion
D. Economic isolation
Answer: A. Political stability
11. How many states were included in the German Confederation?
A. 29
B. 35
C. 39
D. 49
Answer: C. 39
12. The German Confederation was:
A. A single German nation-state
B. A loose association of states
C. A French colony
D. A military empire
Answer: B. A loose association of states
13. Conservatism opposed:
A. Traditional institutions
B. Sudden revolutionary change
C. Monarchy
D. Social stability
Answer: B. Sudden revolutionary change
14. What did conservatives generally support?
A. Monarchy
B. Revolution
C. Political anarchy
D. Immediate democracy
Answer: A. Monarchy
15. What is restoration?
A. Creation of a new religion
B. Return of old ruling dynasties
C. Abolition of monarchy
D. Creation of colonies
Answer: B. Return of old ruling dynasties
16. What did the Congress seek to establish in Europe?
A. Balance of power
B. Complete political equality
C. One European government
D. Universal voting rights
Answer: A. Balance of power
17. What did censorship control?
A. Political publications and information
B. Agricultural production
C. Military uniforms
D. Trade routes only
Answer: A. Political publications and information
18. Conservative governments feared:
A. Liberal and nationalist movements
B. Traditional institutions
C. Monarchy
D. Social stability
Answer: A. Liberal and nationalist movements
19. Which political idea supported individual freedom?
A. Liberalism
B. Conservatism
C. Absolutism
D. Feudalism
Answer: A. Liberalism
20. The Congress of Vienna was mainly a:
A. Diplomatic settlement
B. Religious conference
C. Military battle
D. Trade fair
Answer: A. Diplomatic settlement
21. Which country was associated with Metternich?
A. Austria
B. France
C. Britain
D. Italy
Answer: A. Austria
22. The Congress attempted to prevent:
A. One power dominating Europe
B. Economic growth
C. Political stability
D. Restoration of monarchies
Answer: A. One power dominating Europe
23. What was one major feature of conservatism?
A. Respect for established traditions
B. Support for constant revolution
C. Abolition of monarchy
D. Universal democracy
Answer: A. Respect for established traditions
24. The Congress of Vienna reorganised Europe after:
A. The Industrial Revolution
B. The Napoleonic Wars
C. The Russian Revolution
D. The First World War
Answer: B. The Napoleonic Wars
25. Which idea did conservative rulers generally oppose?
A. Nationalism when it challenged existing states
B. Monarchy
C. Traditional customs
D. Social order
Answer: A. Nationalism when it challenged existing states
26. The German Confederation consisted of:
A. 29 states
B. 39 states
C. 49 states
D. 59 states
Answer: B. 39 states
27. Which political system did conservatives seek to protect?
A. Traditional monarchy
B. Direct democracy
C. Socialist republic
D. Communist government
Answer: A. Traditional monarchy
28. What was a major tool used by conservative governments?
A. Censorship
B. Universal suffrage
C. Free political press
D. Open revolution
Answer: A. Censorship
29. The Congress of Vienna represented:
A. Conservative political settlement
B. Complete victory of nationalism
C. End of monarchy
D. Universal democracy
Answer: A. Conservative political settlement
30. The Congress was important for:
A. Reorganising European boundaries
B. Ending all European states
C. Creating one European country
D. Abolishing all governments
Answer: A. Reorganising European boundaries
31. Which country received territories in northern Italy after the Congress?
A. Austria
B. France
C. Britain
D. Spain
Answer: A. Austria
32. What happened to France after the Congress?
A. Its Napoleonic conquests were reduced
B. It gained all of Europe
C. It became a British colony
D. Napoleon returned to power
Answer: A. Its Napoleonic conquests were reduced
33. What did the Congress want to prevent?
A. Future French domination of Europe
B. Industrial development
C. Economic cooperation
D. Transportation development
Answer: A. Future French domination of Europe
34. Conservative rulers believed sudden changes could cause:
A. Instability
B. Permanent peace
C. Economic equality
D. Industrial growth
Answer: A. Instability
35. The Congress of Vienna was associated with:
A. Restoration
B. Revolution
C. Socialism
D. Colonial independence
Answer: A. Restoration
36. Which movement continued to challenge conservative rule?
A. Nationalism
B. Feudalism
C. Absolutism
D. Mercantilism
Answer: A. Nationalism
37. The revolutions of 1830 and 1848 challenged:
A. Conservative political order
B. Industrialisation
C. Economic unity
D. Transportation
Answer: A. Conservative political order
38. Metternich was known for supporting:
A. Conservative policies
B. Revolutionary nationalism
C. Republicanism
D. Universal democracy
Answer: A. Conservative policies
39. Which was NOT a major aim of the Congress of Vienna?
A. Restore monarchies
B. Maintain balance of power
C. Spread revolutionary nationalism
D. Reorganise Europe
Answer: C. Spread revolutionary nationalism
40. What did the Congress establish in the German region?
A. German Confederation
B. German Empire
C. German Republic
D. German Kingdom
Answer: A. German Confederation
41. The Congress of Vienna tried to create:
A. A stable political order
B. Permanent revolution
C. Complete national self-determination
D. One European republic
Answer: A. A stable political order
42. Conservatism valued:
A. Tradition and stability
B. Constant revolution
C. Complete political equality
D. Abolition of monarchy
Answer: A. Tradition and stability
43. Liberalism and conservatism differed mainly over:
A. Political and social change
B. Geography
C. Climate
D. Language only
Answer: A. Political and social change
44. What was one effect of conservative policies?
A. Suppression of revolutionary activities
B. Immediate national unification
C. Universal voting rights
D. End of censorship
Answer: A. Suppression of revolutionary activities
45. The Congress of Vienna was held in:
A. Austria
B. France
C. Italy
D. Britain
Answer: A. Austria
46. Which principle aimed to prevent domination by one European power?
A. Balance of power
B. National self-determination
C. Universal suffrage
D. Free trade
Answer: A. Balance of power
47. Which of the following is associated with conservatism?
A. Restoration of monarchy
B. Abolition of all traditional institutions
C. Immediate democratic revolution
D. Political equality for all
Answer: A. Restoration of monarchy
48. What continued to grow despite conservative policies?
A. Nationalism and liberalism
B. Feudalism only
C. Absolutism only
D. Political isolation
Answer: A. Nationalism and liberalism
49. Why did conservatives oppose nationalist movements?
A. They could threaten existing empires and monarchies
B. They always promoted monarchy
C. They ended political movements
D. They reduced revolutionary activity
Answer: A. They could threaten existing empires and monarchies
50. Which sequence is correct?
A. Napoleon's defeat → Congress of Vienna → Restoration → Conservative order
B. Congress of Vienna → Napoleon's rise → Restoration → Revolution
C. Restoration → Napoleon's rise → Congress of Vienna → Liberalism
D. Revolution → Congress of Vienna → Napoleon's victory → Restoration
Answer: A. Napoleon's defeat → Congress of Vienna → Restoration → Conservative order
30. Assertion–Reason Questions
1.
Assertion (A): The Congress of Vienna was held in 1815.
Reason (R): It was organised after the defeat of Napoleon to reorganise Europe.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A.
2.
Assertion (A): Metternich was an important conservative leader.
Reason (R): He supported traditional monarchy and opposed revolutionary movements.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A.
3.
Assertion (A): The Congress of Vienna attempted to establish a balance of power.
Reason (R): European powers wanted to prevent one country from dominating Europe.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A.
4.
Assertion (A): The Congress of Vienna supported revolutionary nationalism.
Reason (R): Conservative rulers wanted to preserve the traditional political order.
Answer: A is false, but R is true.
5.
Assertion (A): The German Confederation consisted of 39 states.
Reason (R): The Congress of Vienna reorganised the German territories into a loose association.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A.
6.
Assertion (A): Conservative governments used censorship.
Reason (R): They wanted to restrict the spread of liberal and revolutionary ideas.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A.
7.
Assertion (A): Conservatism valued traditional institutions.
Reason (R): Conservatives believed that sudden revolutionary changes could cause instability.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A.
8.
Assertion (A): The Congress of Vienna permanently ended nationalism in Europe.
Reason (R): Nationalist movements continued and contributed to later revolutions.
Answer: A is false, but R is true.
9.
Assertion (A): The Congress of Vienna helped restore old monarchies.
Reason (R): Restoration was an important part of the conservative settlement.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A.
10.
Assertion (A): The Congress of Vienna created a unified German nation-state.
Reason (R): It created a German Confederation of 39 states.
Answer: A is false, but R is true.
31. 2-Mark Questions
1.
What is meant by conservatism?
2.
What was the Congress of Vienna?
3.
When was the Congress of Vienna held?
4.
Who was Duke Metternich?
5.
What was the main purpose of the Congress of Vienna?
6.
What is meant by restoration?
7.
What is meant by balance of power?
8.
What was the German Confederation?
9.
Why did conservative rulers oppose nationalist movements?
10.
What was the role of censorship after 1815?
32. 3-Mark Questions
1.
Mention three main features of conservatism.
2.
State three objectives of the Congress of Vienna.
3.
Explain the role of Metternich in the Congress of Vienna.
4.
Why did European powers want to establish a balance of power?
5.
Explain three territorial changes made after the Congress of Vienna.
6.
What was the importance of the German Confederation?
7.
Why did conservative governments use censorship?
8.
How did the Congress of Vienna attempt to restore the old order?
9.
Why did conservatives oppose liberalism and nationalism?
10.
Mention three important effects of the Congress of Vienna.
33. 4-Mark Questions
1.
Explain the main principles of conservatism after 1815.
2.
Describe the major objectives of the Congress of Vienna.
3.
Explain the role of Metternich in establishing the conservative order.
4.
How did the Congress of Vienna reorganise Europe?
5.
Explain the principle of balance of power.
6.
Why was the Congress of Vienna considered conservative?
7.
Explain the methods used by conservative governments to suppress revolutionary ideas.
8.
Differentiate between conservatism and liberalism.
9.
Explain the significance of the German Confederation of 39 states.
10.
Why could the Congress of Vienna not permanently stop nationalism?
34. 5-Mark Questions
1.
Explain the main objectives and decisions of the Congress of Vienna.
2.
Describe the role of Metternich in the conservative settlement of Europe.
3.
How did the Congress of Vienna attempt to restore the old political order?
4.
Explain the meaning and major features of conservatism.
5.
How did the Congress of Vienna establish a balance of power in Europe?
6.
Explain how conservative governments attempted to suppress liberal and nationalist movements.
7.
What changes were made in Europe after the defeat of Napoleon?
8.
Explain the relationship between conservatism and nationalism after 1815.
9.
Why did the conservative order face challenges from liberal and nationalist movements?
10.
Explain the importance and limitations of the Congress of Vienna.
35. 6-Mark Questions
1.
Explain in detail the objectives, decisions and significance of the Congress of Vienna of 1815.
2.
Describe the main features of conservatism and explain why conservative rulers opposed liberal and nationalist movements.
3.
Explain the role of Duke Metternich in the political settlement of Europe after 1815.
4.
How did the Congress of Vienna attempt to create a stable political order in Europe?
5.
Explain the principle of balance of power and its importance in the Congress of Vienna settlement.
6.
Describe the territorial and political changes introduced in Europe after the defeat of Napoleon.
7.
How did conservative governments attempt to control the spread of revolutionary ideas after 1815?
8.
Explain why the Congress of Vienna could not permanently prevent the growth of liberalism and nationalism.
9.
Explain the following sequence:
Defeat of Napoleon → Congress of Vienna → Restoration → Conservative Order → Suppression of Nationalism → Revolutionary Movements
10.
“After 1815, Europe entered a period of conservative restoration, but liberalism and nationalism continued to grow.” Explain.
36. Exam Tips
Remember:
1815 → Congress of Vienna
Metternich → Austria → Conservatism
Congress of Vienna → Restoration + Balance of Power
German Confederation → 39 States
Most Important Point
The Congress of Vienna was not a meeting to promote nationalism. It was mainly an attempt by European powers to restore stability and traditional political authority after the Napoleonic Wars.
Exam Formula
Napoleon Defeated
↓
Congress of Vienna – 1815
↓
Restoration of Monarchies
↓
Conservative Order
↓
Suppression of Liberalism and Nationalism
↓
Growth of Revolutionary Movements
37. Most Important Keywords
Conservatism
Congress of Vienna
Duke Metternich
Austria
Restoration
Monarchy
Balance of Power
German Confederation
39 States
Censorship
Liberalism
Nationalism
Napoleon
Political Stability
Traditional Institutions
Revolutionary Movements
38. One-Page Final Revision
Conservatism and the Congress of Vienna
After the defeat of Napoleon in 1815, European rulers wanted to restore the traditional political order. The political philosophy that supported traditional institutions, monarchy, social stability and established customs was known as Conservatism.
The Congress of Vienna was held in 1815 to reorganise Europe after the Napoleonic Wars. It was hosted by Austria, and Duke Metternich, the Austrian Chancellor, played a leading role.
The main objectives were:
Restoration of monarchies
Reorganisation of European territories
Establishment of a balance of power
Prevention of future French expansion
Maintenance of political stability
Suppression of revolutionary movements
The Congress created a German Confederation of 39 states instead of a unified German nation-state.
Conservative governments also used censorship and political restrictions to control the spread of liberal and revolutionary ideas.
However, liberalism and nationalism continued to grow. Revolutionary movements later challenged the conservative order, particularly during the revolutions of 1830 and 1848.
Final Exam Line:
The Congress of Vienna of 1815 established a conservative political order in Europe by restoring monarchies, reorganising territories and creating a balance of power, but it could not permanently stop the spread of liberalism and nationalism.
