Why was the Congress of Vienna considered a success?
The Congress of Vienna was consider a success because of three main outcomes.
One Britain gained control over several strategic colonies and become the first superpower of the world. Two Russia extended its powers and received souveranity over Poland and Finland. And three Europe brought peace between the nations for almost 40 years.
To determine why the Congress of Vienna was considered a success, you would need to examine the main outcomes and factors that contributed to this viewpoint. Here are the steps to understand why it was considered a success:
1. Research the Congress of Vienna: Start by researching the purpose, participants, and objectives of the Congress of Vienna. Understand the historical context in which it took place, specifically in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars.
2. Identify the goals of the Congress: The Congress had several main objectives, including restoring stability in Europe after the French Revolution and Napoleon's conquests, establishing a balance of power among the major European powers, and redrawing the borders of Europe.
3. Analyze the outcomes of the Congress: Identify the specific outcomes that contributed to the Congress' success. These include:
a. Restoration of Order: The Congress aimed to restore stability and prevent future conflicts. By redrawing borders and establishing a balance of power, it successfully restored order and stability in Europe.
b. Balance of Power: The Congress aimed to prevent any one power from dominating Europe. By redistributing territories and creating a system where major powers would check each other's influence, it helped establish a balance of power.
c. Preservation of Legitimate Monarchies: The Congress sought to restore the pre-Napoleonic order by reinstating legitimate monarchies. By doing so, it reduced the likelihood of future revolutions and conflicts.
4. Evaluate its impact on peace: Assess the long-term impact of the Congress on peace in Europe. The fact that Europe experienced relative peace for almost 40 years after the Congress suggests its success in achieving its goal of preventing major conflicts.
5. Consider criticisms and alternative interpretations: Recognize that the perception of the Congress as a success is not universally agreed upon. Some historians argue that it perpetuated conservative politics, hindered nationalist aspirations, and sowed the seeds for future conflicts.
By following these steps, you can gain a thorough understanding of the Congress of Vienna and the factors that contributed to its perception as a success.
http://www.sparknotes.com/history/european/napoleonic/section10.rhtml
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