The Orleans Monarchy and Louis Philippe, 1830 – 1848, factors that assisted ascent to power, achievements, failures and downfall

Questions to ponder

1. How did Prince Metternich consolidate his power in Europe from 1814-1848?

(Give a brief description of Metternich, then give and explain the methods measured Metternich used to                          consolidate power in Europe or dominate Europe and finally give a general conclusion)

1. Assess the achievements of Prince Metternich in Europe from 1815-1848.
2. Account for the downfall of Prince Metternich in 1848.
3. “I have ruled Europe but I have never governed Austria”. Discuss the validity of this statement with reference to Metternich’s period, 1815-1848 in Europe?
4. “A necessary evil”. To what extent does the statement suit the description of Prince Metternich in the period 815-848?
5. How far was Metternich a successful statesman in Europe from 1815-1848?
6. Assess the significance of Metternich in Europe affairs from 1815-1848.

(Give a brief description of Metternich, then give and explain the achievement of Metternich on one side and                failure/weakness on the however side and finally Standpoint is necessary)

1. “The coachman of Europe.” To what extent is this is this a true description of Prince Metternich between 1815-1848
2. “Rock of order.” How far is this a true description of Prince Metternich from 1815-1848?

Summary of Prince Metternich in Europe from 1815-1848

Prince Klemens von Metternich was a prominent Austrian diplomat and statesman who played a crucial role in European politics from 1815 to 1848. Here are some key points about his influence:

1. Congress of Vienna: Metternich played a crucial role in the Congress of Vienna (1815), which aimed to restore the conservative order in Europe after the Napoleonic Wars. He helped redraw the map of Europe and established a balance of power to prevent any one nation from becoming too dominant.
2. The Concert of Europe: Metternich was instrumental in creating the Concert of Europe, a system of international cooperation among the major powers to maintain the status quo and suppress revolutionary movements.
3. Interventionist Policies: He advocated for interventionist policies to quash revolutions, as seen in the Congresses of Troppau (1820) and Verona (1822), where European powers agreed to intervene in countries experiencing revolutionary uprisings.
4. Opposition to Liberalism: Metternich was a staunch opponent of liberalism and nationalism, viewing them as threats to the stability of the conservative order.
5. Decline and Resignation: His influence waned in the late 1840s as revolutionary movements gained momentum, culminating in the Revolutions of 1848. Metternich resigned in March 1848 as the revolutionary tide swept across Europe.

Factors that contributed to the rise Prince Metternich

Several factors contributed to the rise of Prince Klemens von Metternich:

1. Congress of Vienna: Metternich’s pivotal role in the Congress of Vienna (1815), where he helped restore the conservative order in Europe after the Napoleonic Wars, significantly boosted his influence and reputation.
2. Diplomatic Skills: His exceptional diplomatic skills and ability to navigate complex international relations earned him respect and authority among European leaders.
3. Conservative Ideals: Metternich’s staunch opposition to liberalism and nationalism resonated with conservative monarchies, which sought to maintain the traditional order.
4. The Concert of Europe: His creation of the Concert of Europe, a system of international cooperation to maintain stability, further solidified his position as a key figure in European politics.
5. Support from Major Powers: The backing of major European powers, including Austria, Prussia, and Russia, helped Metternich implement his policies and maintain his influence.
6. Marriage to heiress and granddaughter of former Austrian State chancellor. The marriage gave him the link with the high nobility of Austria and the access to high office he had long desired.
7. Initial impartial role as Austrian ambassador to France in 1806. After Austria’s humiliating defeat at the Battle of Austerlitz and considerable loss of territory in the Treaty of Pressburg, he was sent to France as Austrian ambassador. Here he played an impartial between Napoleon and other European powers which attitude gained him the confidence of the most prominent men of different parties, beginning with Napoleon himself.
8. Marriage between to Marie Louise, the daughter of Austrian Emperor Francis I. His role in negotiation of marriage between Napoleon and Marie Louise, the daughter of Austrian Emperor Francis I boosted Prince Metternich prominence in Europe

Achievements of Prince Metternich in Europe from 1815-1848

Prince Klemens von Metternich’s achievements from 1815 to 1848 were significant in shaping European politics:

1. Congress of Vienna: Metternich played a key role in the Congress of Vienna (1815), which aimed to restore the conservative order in Europe after the Napoleonic Wars. His efforts helped redraw the map of Europe and establish a balance of power to prevent any one nation from becoming too dominant1.
2. The Concert of Europe: He was instrumental in creating the Concert of Europe, a system of international cooperation among the major powers to maintain the status quo and suppress revolutionary movements.
3. Interventionist Policies: Metternich advocated for interventionist policies to quash revolutions, as seen in the Congresses of Troppau (1820) and Verona (1822), where European powers agreed to intervene in countries experiencing revolutionary uprisings.
4. Restoration of Austria: He helped restore Austria as a leading European power, hosting the Congress of Vienna and ensuring Austria’s influence in international affairs.
5. Diplomatic Success: Metternich’s diplomatic skills were evident in his ability to navigate complex international relations, including engineering Austria’s entry into the War of the Sixth Coalition and negotiating the Treaty of Fontainebleau, which sent Napoleon into exile.
6. Marriage between to Marie Louise, the daughter of Austrian Emperor Francis I. His role in negotiation of marriage between Napoleon and Marie Louise, the daughter of Austrian Emperor Francis I Napoleon to trust him. The trust was later used to plot against Napoleon’s downfall.
7. Defeat of napoleon. Prince Metternich mobilized European powers to fight and defeat Napoleon I.
8. Metternich played a key role in restoration of ousted legitimate rulers. These included Louis XVIII to France, Ferdinand VII in Spain and Ferdinand I to Naples.
9. He promoted Peace and unity European Monarchies, such as Austria, Prussia, Russia and France.
10. Restoration of peace promoted economic growth and development in Europe.
11. He was successful in convincing other European leaders to allow France join the major powers of Europe during the Aix-Lachapelle Congress 1818 which made France reform and struggle for peaceful Europe

 

 Significance of Metternich in Europe affairs from 1815-1848

Prince Klemens von Metternich was a highly significant figure in European affairs from 1815 to 1848. His influence and achievements during this period were profound:

1. Metternich was instrumental in the downfall of Napoleon I. Metternich successfully duped Napoleon into thinking that Austria supported France’s 1812 invasion of Russia. Meanwhile, Austria secretly encouraged a Russian victory. After the French retreat, Metternich dropped the cover of neutrality. He led Austria into outright alliance with the coalition against Napoleon.
2. Restoration of Stability: Metternich played a crucial role in the Congress of Vienna (1815), which aimed to restore stability and order in Europe after the Napoleonic Wars. His efforts helped redraw the map of Europe and establish a balance of power to prevent any one nation from becoming too dominant2.
3. The Concert of Europe: He was instrumental in creating the Concert of Europe, a system of international cooperation among the major powers to maintain the status quo and suppress revolutionary movements.
4. Opposition to Liberalism and Nationalism: Metternich was a staunch opponent of liberalism and nationalism, viewing them as threats to the stability of the conservative order. His policies aimed to suppress revolutionary ideas and maintain the traditional monarchical system3.
5. Diplomatic Success: Metternich’s diplomatic skills were evident in his ability to navigate complex international relations, including engineering Austria’s entry into the War of the Sixth Coalition and negotiating the Treaty of Fontainebleau, which sent Napoleon into exile.
6. Influence on European Politics: His influence extended beyond Austria, as he often dictated policies within the German Confederation and the Italian states, shaping the pattern of international relations through the Metternich System.

How did Metternich consolidate his power in Europe

Prince Klemens von Metternich consolidated his power in Europe through several key strategies:

1. Diplomatic Skill: Metternich was a master diplomat who skillfully navigated complex international relations. His ability to form alliances and negotiate treaties, such as the Treaty of Fontainebleau and the Congress of Vienna, solidified his influence.
2. Balance of Power: He promoted the concept of a balance of power in Europe to prevent any one nation from becoming too dominant. This approach helped maintain stability and allowed him to exert influence over multiple countries.
3. The Concert of Europe: Metternich was instrumental in creating the Concert of Europe, a system of international cooperation among the major powers to maintain the status quo and suppress revolutionary movements.
4. Political Alliances: He formed strategic alliances with major European powers, including Austria, Prussia, and Russia, which bolstered his position and allowed him to implement his policies effectively.
5. Repression of Revolutions: Metternich was a staunch opponent of liberalism and nationalism, and he used his influence to suppress revolutionary movements across Europe, maintaining the conservative order. For instance, the Carbanari Movement organized by the Charcoal burners and the ” “Youth Italy Movement” started by Mazini were ruthlessly suppressed.
6. Used a very sensitive espionage, (spy network) effectively in public places like hotels, schools, universities and cinema halls
7. All academicians in various education institutions were forced to take Oath of allegiance to the Metternich system in the Austrian Empire.
8. Metternich overtaxed the masses in Austrian Empire. This made them poor and unable to organize successful revolutions.
9.  Censored the press throughout the Austrian Empire. This kept the liberalism and nationalism ideas suppressed.
10. Metternich also used divide and rule policy mainly in German and Italy states i.e. Austria had direct control over Venetia and Lombardy and indirect influence in Tuscany, Perma, Romagna and Modena.
11. He used his oratory skill to convince, confuse and threaten all European Monarchs or legitimate leaders.

Reasons for the failure and downfall of Prince Metternich in 1848

Prince Klemens von Metternich’s downfall in 1848 was due to several key factors:

1. Rise of Revolutionary Movements: The widespread revolutionary fervor across Europe, known as the Revolutions of 1848, challenged the conservative order that Metternich had worked to uphold.
2. Economic Hardships: Economic difficulties, including poor harvests and financial crises, exacerbated public discontent and fueled revolutionary sentiments.
3. Social Inequality: Persistent social inequalities and the growing demands for political participation and civil liberties led to increased opposition to Metternich’s policies.
4. Loss of Support: Metternich’s repressive measures, including censorship and political repression, alienated many segments of society, including liberals, workers, and intellectuals.
5. Military Defeat: The inability of Metternich’s government to suppress the uprisings effectively, despite military intervention, further weakened his position.
6. Resignation and Exile: Faced with mounting pressure and the inability to maintain control, Metternich resigned and fled to England in March 1848.
7. Metternich failed to restore religious freedom in Europe. He ignoring other religions, made Catholicism a state religion and this contributed to his unpopularity.
8. Metternich failed to restore all the European legitimate rulers. Those of Denmark, Belgium and Finland were not restored.
9. Metternich to restore political freedom. He suppressed the views of liberals, democrats and revolutionists.
10. Metternich failed to control the press in Austria leading to the circulation of liberal propaganda.
11. The stopping of teaching liberal subjects like history, philosophy, literature portrayed Metternich as an intellectual coward
12. Metternich failed to exert considerable influence on Emperor Francis I to put in place comprehensive and fundamental reforms in the Austrian Empire.

 

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Thanks

Dr. Bbosa Science.