Post-Napoleonic Europe: Stability, Upheaval, and the Romantic Spirit (1815–1848)

Conservatism

An ideology prioritizing tradition, social stability, and organized religion over rapid changes.

Congress of Vienna

The peace settlement (1814-1815) that attempted to redesign Europe after Napoleon's defeat.

Klemens von Metternich

The dominant figure of the Congress of Vienna, known as the 'Coachman of Europe'.

Balance of Power

A principle ensuring that no single nation is strong enough to dominate Europe.

Legitimacy

The principle of restoring ruling families deposed by the French Revolution.

Compensation

Territorial adjustments to reward victors and punish France while maintaining balance.

Concert of Europe

The system of periodic meetings among Great Powers to discuss common interests and maintain peace.

Principle of Intervention

The right of great powers to send armies into countries to restore legitimate monarchs.

July Revolution

A revolution in France that overthrew King Charles X and established a constitutional monarchy.

Bourgeois King

Louis Philippe, who ruled under a constitutional monarchy favoring the wealthy middle class.

Belgium Revolution

The successful revolt that led to Belgian independence from Dutch rule in 1830.

Polish Revolt

The failed uprising against Russian rule, resulting in the Polish nationalists' defeat.

Springtime of Peoples

The wave of revolutions in 1848 that ultimately failed in most regions.

Frankfurt Assembly

A gathering that aimed to create a unified Germany but ultimately failed to achieve its goal.

Giuseppe Mazzini

Italian nationalist who sought unification and was a key figure in the Italian revolutions.

Romanticism

A cultural movement emphasizing emotion, nature, and the past, often fueling nationalism.

William Wordsworth

An English poet known for glorifying nature in his literary works.

Victor Hugo

Author of 'Les Misérables,' blending romantic themes with political liberalism.

Caspar David Friedrich

Artist known for 'Wanderer above the Sea of Fog,' depicting nature's power.

Eugène Delacroix

Artist of 'Liberty Leading the People,' representing the emotional upheaval of revolutions.

Nationalism

The belief that each 'people' should have their own state, posing a threat to multi-ethnic empires.

Liberalism

An ideology favoring representative government and civil liberties for the propertied.

Economic Changes

The dual revolution caused by industrialization and political ideas from the French Revolution.

Class Division

Conflict within classes that undermined the effectiveness of the 1848 revolutions.

Serfdom

A socioeconomic status that was ended in Austria and Germany following the revolutions.

Neo-Gothic architecture

A revival style reflecting romantic fascination with the Middle Ages.