Politics in 19 th Century Europe: Growth of the Political Spectrum November 16, 2009
Dec 29, 2015
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Spain New Constitution in 1812, gets repealed in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)