In Our Time The Congress of Vienna
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Oct 19, 2017 The Congress of Vienna was a meeting of European powers after devastating wars, aiming to establish peace and prevent future conflicts. The podcast discusses the impact of Napoleon on the Holy Roman Empire and the decision-making of the great powers, as well as the extravagant parties and political maneuvering during the Congress. It also explores the restoration of the Holy Roman Empire, the failed plan for a buffer state in France, and the purpose and outcomes of the Congress in suppressing revolutionary movements. The lack of revisionism after 1815 is also highlighted.
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Europe Wrecked By Prolonged Revolutionary Wars
- Europe suffered two decades of ideological and large-scale warfare that devastated populations and institutions.
- Tim Blanning emphasizes armies requisitioned resources and caused widespread social and religious disruption.
Vienna Overflowed With Princely Retinues
- Vienna swelled from 200,000 to 300,000 people as princes, wives, mistresses and staffs flooded the city for the Congress.
- Kathleen Burk notes the princelings brought entire households and hoped to arrange marriages amidst negotiations.
Britain Sought Balance, Not Territorial Gains
- Britain aimed to restore stability without collecting territorial trophies and insisted maritime rights were off the Vienna agenda.
- John Bew highlights Castlereagh's focus on protecting the Low Countries and crafting a European balance of power.