THE END OF AN ERA

Under Napoleon, French armies spread the ideas of the French Revolution across Europe. The French overthrew European monarchs and set up their own governments. They reduced the power of the church and ended serfdom. Many Europeans welcomed the ideas of the French revolution. However, they did not welcome the French rulers. Nationalism caused conquered people to reject French control. From Italy to Spain to the Netherlands, people rebelled against the French.

 

The end of the Empire began in 1812 when Napoleon invaded Russia. The invasion was a disaster. Many French soldiers died during the long Russian winter. The following year, an alliance of Russia, Britain, Austria and Prussia defeated Napoleon at the town of Leipzig, and forced him to live on an island in the Mediterranean.

 

After the defeat of Napoleon, European leaders met at the Congress of Vienna. They hoped to create peace after 25 years of war. One of their goals was to return Europe to the way it was in 1792, before Napoleon. To accomplish this goal, they gave power back to the monarchs of Europe. The leaders of Europe also took steps to create a balance of power. To prevent France from going to war again, they strengthened the countries around it. To protect the new order, European states formed a peacekeeping organization. Peace lasted 100 years.

Goals of Congress of Vienna

*To prevent France from going to war again.

 

*To return Europe to the way it was in 1792, before Napoleon.

 

*To protect the new system and maintain peace.

Action

Strengthen countries around France

*Add Belgium and Luxembourg to Holland to create the kingdom of the Netherlands.

 

*Give Prussia lands along the Rhine River.

 

*Allow Austria to take control of Italy again.

 

At the Congress of Vienna, European leaders tried to prevent France from going to war again and to keep the peace.

 

Return to Mr. Hasskell's Index Page