The Concert of Europe and European Conservatism

The Concert of Europe and European Conservatism: AP European History Study Guide

Hello, future historians! Time to dive into an era when Europe took a deep breath, had a serious self-reflection session, and decided, "Let's keep things steady, like really steady." We're talking about the Concert of Europe and the rise of conservatism—a time when the grown-ups in Europe (literally) were trying to make sure Napoleon-inspired chaos didn't hit replay and everyone behaved. 🌍🎻

Picture this: It’s the early 19th century, and Napoleon Bonaparte's out there playing Risk with Europe. He's conquering lands like he's trying to complete a Pokémon collection—Spain, most of Italy, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, and even Egypt. However, his campaign was basically like trying to hold water in a colander. You guessed it—his epic defeat at Waterloo was the end of his global domination dreams, and the beginning of Europe's "Let’s Avoid That Again" strategy.

Once they exiled Napoleon (you can almost hear Europe sighing, "Finally!"), the continent knew they had a lot more to tidy up than just post-Napoleonic junk mail. Enter: The Congress of Vienna. Held from 1814 to 1815 and led by Austrian diplomat Klemens von Metternich, this gathering of the Great Powers was basically the ultimate "we need to talk" meeting. The aim was to restore sanity—aka, the old political order of Europe.

Key outcomes from the Congress included three major policies:

1. Principle of Legitimacy: Napoleon might have loved a good coup, but Europe decided it was time to bring back the OG rulers. Monarchs were back, baby! 👑
2. Restoration of the Balance of Power: No single nation should hog the power. It was like everyone's parents telling them to share their toys equally. 💪💪
3. Strengthening Countries around France: Think of it like neighbors building fences to make sure that troublemaker France doesn't jump into everyone’s yards again. 🇫🇷

And let's not forget the awkward situation with Poland; it ended up being divided up like a cake at a bad birthday party—mostly gobbled up by Russia with a slice for Prussia.

Ah, the Concert of Europe—where the Great Powers (Austria, Britain, Russia, and Prussia) decided to form the ultimate squad known as the Quadruple Alliance. Their goal? To crush any spark of revolution with military force, under something called the Principle of Intervention. Most of the Great Powers were onboard, fearing another Napoleonic mosh pit. England, however, wasn't into the whole intervention thing and decided to play hard to get.

Let's meet the squad who played a big part in the Congress of Vienna:

• Metternich (Austria): Was basically the class prefect of peace and order.
• Alexander I (Russia): Eyeing Poland while murmuring about peace.
• Talleyrand (France): Whispering, "Please don't carve up France, pretty please."
• Castlereagh (England): Busy strengthening German and Italian states while giving side-eye to Russia.
• Hardenberg (Prussia): Wanted Poland, but not willing to get grounded over it.

Now, let's get acquainted with the OGs of conservatism—Klemens von Metternich, Edmund Burke, and Joseph de Maistre. These guys believed in doing things the old-school way, a bit like that one friend who still won't download TikTok.

Klemens von Metternich: Austria’s prince and lead rep at the Congress of Vienna, Metternich’s goal was to hit the ‘rewind’ button on Europe to pre-Napoleon times. Think of him as the ultimate anti-revolutionary superhero whose mission was to keep the monarchs on their thrones and revolutions in the bin.

Edmund Burke: Hailing from Ireland, Burke is often crowned the father of modern conservatism. He wasn't a fan of rapid change. In fact, he thought the French Revolution was like letting a raccoon loose in your kitchen—chaotic and bound to end in disaster. He believed in slow, steady reform, not overnight upheavals.

Joseph de Maistre: A French philosopher and lawyer who thought monarchy and hierarchy were the best policies after seeing his fellow French citizens go off the rails during the Revolution. He firmly believed in sticking to traditional values and wasn’t shy about saying so.

• Principle of Legitimacy: Bringing back the OG royal rulers to legitimize political power.
• Balance of Power: The international relations equivalent of a see-saw—keeping everyone at the same level to prevent domination.
• Principle of Intervention: Great Powers’ self-given permission to crash any revolutionary party threatening stability.
• Quadruple Alliance: Austria, Britain, Russia, Prussia united to maintain peace and balance.
• Conservatism: Preserving traditional institutions and values against any radical change.

Did you know that the Congress of Vienna's parties were the social event of the season? Diplomats were known to wine and dine, dance, and indulge in a little gossip—all in the name of peace and balance. Imagine Metternich doing the Viennese waltz. 🎶💃

The Concert of Europe and the rise of European conservatism represented an era when Europe tried to press the pause button on radical changes and revolutions. With entities like the Congress of Vienna and the Quadruple Alliance, the continent sought stability and a return to traditional values. It was like Europe collectively saying, "Let's keep things classy and cool."

So, grab your monocle and your powdered wig, and get ready to ace that AP European History exam! 🚀📚