differences of the European Powers in the congresses

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European diplomacy and the Congress System, 1815-56

How the differences of the European Powers in the congresses during 1818-1822 led to the breakdown of the Congress System.

1. Introduction
The Quadruple Alliance initiated the so-called Congress system. The European Powers would hold meetings to discuss matters of common concern and solve international problems. However, this practice could not last long. Their different views on a number of issues led to the collapse of the system after 1824.

2. Different views of peace
Britain - to guarantee frontiers of 1815 and no return of the Bonapartist, no intervention
Austria, Russia, Prussia - to maintain status-quo of 1815, to suppress revolutions, intervention.

a. Aix-la-Chapelle: Russia & Prussia proposed an alliance against revolutions to keep status-quo. Br disagreed & refused to hold regular meetings unless Vienna Settlement was violated.

b. Troppau: Aust, Pru, Ru drew up Troppau Protocol (to suppress revolutions), Br & France did not approve (reject intervention).

c. Laibach & Verona: Br did not agree to intervene in the Spanish revolt.

3. Besides, conflicts of national interests also led to the collapse of the Congress System. For example:

a. In Aix-la-Chapelle, Ru recommended herself to suppress piracy but being opposed due to the fear of growing Russian power in the Mediterranean; British suggestion of searching ships detecting slavery was also rejected since this made British navy too powerful.

b. Br always rejected intervention in Spanish colonies because this would harm her trading interests there.

c. In Verona, Ru proposed to send troops to suppress the revolt in Spain, but being rejected since other powers feared the presence of huge Russian army in Europe.

d. Concerning the Greek revolt, Russia violated the Troppau Protocol in support of the Greek rebels against Turkish rule because of her desire to increase influence there. Br & Fr also intervened to support the rebels while Pru and Aust wanted suppression.

e. In 1824, the European Powers wanted to help the Spanish king to restore his control of the American colonies. Br warned that she would fight if they intervened. Br wanted to preserve her trade relations with these newly independent states. The congress system broke up.

4. Conclusion
Though European Powers possessed the same goal -- to keep peace, they differed in its meaning and the means to maintain it. Moreover, conflicts were caused by selfish interests of the Powers. As a result, the Congress System collapsed.

@TK Chung

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