How The German Confederation Kept The Peace in Europe
The balance of power and how it tilted
After the Napoleonic Wars, which brought untold suffering and chaos to Europe, the great powers of the day met in Vienna to negotiate a post-war order for Europe. The goal of the Congress of Vienna was to maintain the balance of power on the European continent, restore the old monarchies, balance the various interests of the participants, and thus ensure security and stability in Europe.
One result of the nine months of negotiations was the creation of the German Confederation. In this article, we look at the significance of this alliance and its far-reaching effects.
The Dual Leadership of the Congress of Vienna
The Congress of Vienna brought many diplomats to the Austrian capital to negotiate the future of Europe. The leading powers were
- Austria: Representing the Habsburg dynasty and hosting the Congress, Emperor Franz I of Austria and his foreign minister, Klemens von Metternich, played a central role.
— Russia: The Tsarist Empire was a key ally in the wars against Napoleon.
— Great Britain: The British also played a leading role in the coalition against Napoleon and claimed to have a say in the reorganization of continental Europe.
— France: France…
