Metternich and the maintenance of peace: (External)
Why peace was desirable, the contribution of Metternich in maintenance peace: means, what he actually did, effectiveness (His role in the Congress of Vienna, how he manipulated the Congress System)
In the period of 1814-1848, it was widely regarded as the “Metternich system”. It implied that Metternich’s manipulation of congresses, alliances and creation of police state in suppressing revolutions and upholding the old ruler so as to maintain peace in Europe during that time. Metternich, the Minister of Foreign Affairs as well as the Chancellor of Austria, was successful in adapting the European axiom of international co-operation to Austrian state-interests though the medium of the Concert of Europe. He played as a host and a crucial decision makers of all congresses and settlement. In his eyes, he regarded the suppression of liberal and national movements (revolutions) and balance of power as a mean to maintain peace in Europe. The system worked very well until the outbreak of another revolutionary wave in 1848. It marked the downfall of Metternich as well as the “Metternich System”
In the Congress of Vienna, Metternich’s principles and polices, which were in favor of Austrian interest, were mostly applied in the decision makings of the Vienna Settlement. It established Austrian hegemony in Central Europe and Austria remained unchallenged in Germany and her dominance in Italy was completed. His main principles were aimed at suppressing the growth of liberalism and nationalism as well as revolutions, maintaining the balance of power, prevent the upheaval of France and check Russian ambition to maintain peace.
Metternich regarded the liberal and national movements (revolutions) as a big threat to the peace and causing instability. Therefore, the principle of legitimacy was advocated by him. The restoration of the old rulers can uproot any revolutionary movements as they were mostly...