Politics in 19th Century Europe: Growth of the Political Spectrum

November 16, 2009

Recall: Congress of Vienna, 1815

What did it do? Created balance of power in Europe Attempted to bring back old “legitimate” rulers

of pre-1789 Europe (not entirely successful)

The Congress System, 1815

Alliance between Russia, Prussia, Austria, and Britain

Added France in 1818 Made in order to keep the “status quo” Eastern European countries wanted to keep

the old regime in power and give them as much power as possible without causing revolts

Prince Klemens Von Metternich

Austrian foreign minister, 1809-48

Wanted to bring back old regime

Worked hard to suppress rebellions in Europe that pushed for revolutionary change

Major movements after 1815

Spain New Constitution in 1812, gets repealed in

1815, series of civil wars happen until it’s brought back permanently in 1840

Formation of constitutional monarchy in 1840

Italy 1820, 1821, & 1831 - Revolts crushed by

Austria with support from the Congress System (Metternich’s idea, supported by Prussia & Russia)

Major movements after 1815

Greece Part of the Ottoman Empire (Muslim), although

they were Orthodox Christian 1830 – Became independent with support

from Britain, France, and Russia

Belgium 1831 – Support from Britain and England

Any Trends?

What countries from the congress system seem to resist change?

What countries are okay with accepting change through rebellions?

Accepted change and supported rebellions

Any Trends?

Resisted change and

quelled rebellions

Radical change (Liberalism) supported in the west

Slow change (Conservatism) supported in the east

Conservatism

Change needs to happen slowly over time Was the dominant belief in the east: Russia,

Prussia, Austria, and the Ottoman Empire Metternich = Conservative

Conservatism

Liberalism

Society is the sum of all the individuals who comprise it

Sovereignty was invested in all people (land owners), not the monarch alone

The economy SHOULD NOT be controlled by the state, rather the people

Supported the idea of economic freedom and Free Trade

Conservatism

Liberalism

France: Uneasy Stability

Louis XVIII ruled as a constitutional monarch until 1824

Charles X and the “Ultras” July Revolution – 1830 – King into exile King Louis Phillipe (Louis XIX) – “King of the

French” instead of “King of France”

France: Uneasy Stability

July Revolution – 1830

Charles X ^

Louis XIX

Liberty Leading the People

Britain: Ahead of the Game

Experienced industrialization first Already had a limited monarchy (unwritten

constitution) Economic equity for all (including the poor)

Loss of welfare programs – Workhouses Factory Act, 1836; Ten hours Act, 184

Britain: Ahead of the Game

British Workhouses

Britain: Ahead of the Game

British Workhouses

Britain: Ahead of the Game

British Workhouses

Free Trade

Resulted in growing world industries from industrialization

Britain’s Corn laws, repealed in 1846 France opens freer trade in the 1850s with a

series of treaties – became heavy trading partner with Britain

China - Opium War – 1840 – Britain demanded free trade and use of opium in China (15 million people addicted by 1900)