Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies- TC

Vivekananda School of Law and Legal Studies

PSDA ASSIGNMENT
Subject- History-III: History of Modern Europe, 1740-
1947
[Paper Code- BA LLB 208]

TOPIC:TREATY OF PARIS AND VEINNA CONGRESS

Submitted to: Submitted by:

GROUP 4 Dr. Namrata
B.A. LL.B.(H) Assoc.Prof.History
IV-C VSLLS, VIPS-TC
13217703822 DISHA
(Group co-ordinator)

14517703822 ARINDAM PRAKASH

11217703822 PALUK CHAUHAN

14917703822 ABHISHEK ROUSSA

15717703822 PRASHANT KUMAR

14417703822 SANGYAN GOEL

 TREATY OF PARIS AND VIENNA CONGRESS

BRIEF INTRODUCTION OF NAPOLEONIC WARS

Introduction:

The Napoleonic expansion and wars represent a pivotal period in European history
marked by the rise and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte, one of the most influential
figures of the 19th century. Emerging from the chaos of the French Revolution,
Napoleon's ambitious military campaigns reshaped the political landscape of
Europe, sparking a series of conflicts known as the Napoleonic Wars. This brief
introduction explores Napoleon's expansionist ambitions and the ensuing wars with
other European powers.

Napoleonic Expansion:

Napoleon Bonaparte, a skilled military strategist and charismatic leader, rose to

prominence during the French Revolution. In 1799, he seized power in France
through a coup d'état, establishing himself as First Consul and later Emperor in
1804. With a vision of creating a vast French empire, Napoleon embarked on a
campaign of territorial expansion across Europe and beyond.

Wars with Other European Countries:

Napoleon's aggressive expansionism provoked widespread opposition from other

European powers, leading to a series of wars that engulfed the continent for over a
decade. These conflicts, collectively known as the Napoleonic Wars, pitted France
against coalitions of European nations determined to halt Napoleon's conquests
and restore stability to the region.
The Napoleonic expansion and wars represent a tumultuous chapter in European
history, characterized by Napoleon's ambitious quest for dominance and the
subsequent struggle of other European powers to resist French hegemony. These
events would have far-reaching consequences, shaping the political, social, and
cultural landscape of Europe for decades to come.

INTRODUCTION OF TREATY OF PARIS 1814:

The Treaty of Paris, signed on 30 May 1814, ended the war between France and
the Sixth Coalition, part of the Napoleonic Wars, following an armistice signed on
23 April between Charles, Count of Artois, and the allies.The treaty set the borders
for France under the House of Bourbon and restored territories to other nations. It
is sometimes called the First Peace of Paris, as another one followed in 1815.

This treaty was signed on 30 May 1814, following an armistice signed on 23 April
1814 between Charles of Bourbon, Count of Artois, as Lieutenant General of the
Realm, and the allies. Napoleon had abdicated as Emperor on 6 April, as a result of
negotiations at Fontainebleau.

Talleyrand, for France

Lords Castlereagh, Aberdeen and Cathcart for Great Britain

Counts Razumovsky and Nesselrode for Russia

Prince Metternich and Count Stadion for Austria

Baron Hardenberg and Wilhelm von Humboldt for Prussia.

The allies had agreed to reduce France to her 1792 borders and restore the
independence of her neighbors after Napoleon Bonaparte's defeat
 REASONS OF TREATY OF PARIS 1814:

The Treaty of Paris in 1814 was primarily driven by a combination of factors

stemming from the Napoleonic Wars and the desire of major European powers to
restore stability to the continent. Here are some of the key reasons behind the
Treaty of Paris:

1. Defeat of Napoleon: The military defeats of Napoleon Bonaparte's Grande

Armée and his subsequent abdication in 1814 left France in a weakened state and
created an opportunity for the European powers to negotiate a peace settlement.

2. Restoration of Order: The Napoleonic Wars had brought widespread devastation

and political upheaval to Europe, leading to a desire among the major powers to
restore stability and establish a new diplomatic order.

3. Balance of Power: European leaders sought to redraw territorial boundaries and

establish a balance of power among the nations to prevent any single state from
dominating the continent, as had occurred under Napoleon's rule.

4. Preservation of Legitimacy: The principle of legitimacy, which emphasized the

restoration of legitimate monarchies and traditional institutions, guided the
negotiations of the treaty, aiming to reinstate rulers who had been displaced by
Napoleon's conquests.

5. Financial Considerations: The European powers imposed financial indemnities

and reparations on France to compensate for the costs of war and to help rebuild
the war-torn regions.

6. Colonial Realignment: The treaty also addressed colonial possessions,

redistributing some territories among the European powers and seeking to establish
a new colonial order.

Overall, the Treaty of Paris in 1814 was driven by a combination of diplomatic,

political, and economic considerations, all aimed at restoring stability and
reshaping the political landscape of Europe in the aftermath of the Napoleonic
Wars.
NAPOLEAN FIRST EXILE: TREATY OF FONTANEBLEAU

The treaty that led to Napoleon Bonaparte's first exile was the Treaty of
Fontainebleau, signed on April 11, 1814. This treaty was negotiated between
representatives of Napoleon and the Coalition powers—represented primarily by
Austria, Russia, Prussia, and Britain—following Napoleon's defeat in the War of
the Sixth Coalition.

Key provisions of the Treaty of Fontainebleau included:

Abdication: Napoleon Bonaparte, recognizing his untenable position after the

defeats suffered by his armies, formally abdicated as Emperor of the French.

1. Sovereignty of Napoleon: The treaty recognized Napoleon's sovereignty over

the small Mediterranean island of Elba, as well as provided him with a stipulated
income and a small personal guard.

2. End of Hostilities: The treaty effectively ended hostilities between Napoleon and
the Coalition powers, marking the conclusion of the War of the Sixth Coalition.

3. Conditions of Exile: Napoleon agreed to renounce any claim to the French

throne for himself and his descendants. He was allowed to retain the title of
Emperor and was granted sovereignty over the island of Elba, where he would be
exiled.

The Treaty of Fontainebleau paved the way for Napoleon's departure from France
and his subsequent exile to the island of Elba, where he would reside until his
escape and return to power during the Hundred Days in 1815.
MAJOR RETURN FROM TREATY OF PARIS 1814: VIENNA CONGRESS

In addition to the cessation of hostilities, the treaty provided a rough draft of a final
settlement, which according to article 32 was to be concluded within the next two
months at a congress involving all belligerents of the Napoleonic Wars. This
provision resulted in the Congress of Vienna, held between September 1814 and
June 1815.

Key objectives of the Vienna Congress included:

1. Restoring Stability: The primary goal of the Congress was to restore stability
and establish a lasting peace in Europe after the upheavals caused by the French
Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars.

2. Redrawing Boundaries: The Congress aimed to redraw national boundaries and

reorganize territories in Europe to reflect a balance of power among the major
European states.
1.Legitimacy and Conservatism: The principle of legitimacy, which emphasized the
restoration of legitimate monarchies and traditional institutions, guided the
decisions of the Congress, promoting conservatism and stability.

2. Compensation and Indemnities: Financial compensations and indemnities were

imposed on France and other defeated powers to offset the costs of war and
reconstruction.

3. Establishment of Diplomatic Framework: The Vienna Congress established a

new diplomatic framework known as the Concert of Europe, which aimed to
facilitate ongoing consultation and cooperation among the major powers to address
common interests and resolve disputes.

The Congress of Vienna was attended by representatives from the major European
powers, including Austria, Britain, Russia, Prussia, and France, along with
numerous minor states and diplomatic observers. It was presided over by
influential diplomats such as Prince Klemens von Metternich of Austria and
Viscount Castlereagh of Britain.

The decisions made at the Vienna Congress had far-reaching consequences for
European politics, shaping the continent's diplomatic relations and territorial
boundaries for decades to come. While the Congress succeeded in restoring
stability to Europe in the short term, its conservative principles and emphasis on
maintaining the status quo would face challenges in the years to come, particularly
with the rise of nationalism and liberalism in the 19th century.
 INSTABILITY AND NAPOLEAN’S RETURN TO POWER

The Hundred Days refers to a period of time from March 20 to June 22, 1815,
during which Napoleon Bonaparte returned to power in France after his initial
exile to the island of Elba. This period culminated in his defeat at the Battle of
Waterloo and the subsequent restoration of the Bourbon monarchy in France.

Key events and factors surrounding the Hundred Days include:

1. Escape from Elba: In February 1815, Napoleon escaped from exile on the
island of Elba and returned to France, landing near Cannes with a small
force of
supporters. His return caught the European powers by surprise and sparked
widespread excitement and support among the French population, many of whom
were disillusioned with the Bourbon monarchy.

2. Return to Power: Napoleon's return to France triggered a rapid series of events that
culminated in his reinstatement as Emperor of the French on March 20, 1815.
Despite initial attempts by the Bourbon regime to resist his return, Napoleon's
popularity and military prowess quickly won over many key figures and regions in
France.

3. Political Maneuvering: During the Hundred Days, Napoleon sought to

consolidate his power and legitimacy by implementing various reforms and
measures aimed at winning over the support of different segments of French
society. He also worked to rally support from other European powers, attempting
to divide his adversaries and weaken their resolve.

4. The Congress of Vienna's Response: The return of Napoleon and the outbreak of
hostilities during the Hundred Days prompted the European powers to convene
once again at the Congress of Vienna to coordinate their response. The Quadruple
Alliance—comprising Britain, Austria, Russia, and Prussia—reaffirmed their
commitment to defeating Napoleon and restoring stability to Europe.

5. The Battle of Waterloo: The culmination of the Hundred Days came with the
Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815, where Napoleon's forces were decisively
defeated by a coalition army led by the Duke of Wellington and Gebhard
Leberecht von Blücher. This defeat marked the end of Napoleon's rule and his final
bid for power.
6. Second Abdication and Exile: Following the defeat at Waterloo and the
subsequent advance of coalition forces towards Paris, Napoleon abdicated for the
second time on June 22, 1815. He was then exiled to the remote island of Saint
Helena in the South Atlantic, where he would spend the remainder of his life until
his death in 1821.

MORE HARSH TREATY : SECOND TREATY OF PARIS 1815

• The Treaty of Paris of 1815, also known as the Second Treaty of Paris, was
signed on 20 November 1815, after the defeat and the second abdication of
Napoleon Bonaparte. In February, Napoleon had escaped from his exile on
Elba, entered Paris on 20 March and began the Hundred Days of his restored
rule. After France's defeat at the hands of the Seventh Coalition at the Battle
of Waterloo.
• The Second Treaty of Paris, signed in 1815 following Napoleon's defeat at
Waterloo, imposed harsher terms on France compared to the first treaty
signed in 1814. Here are some key provisions:
Territorial Adjustments:
 Reduced Borders: France's borders were reduced to those existing on
January 1st, 1790, meaning it lost territories it had acquired during the
Napoleonic Wars. This included areas like Saar and Savoy.
 Occupation: France agreed to foreign occupation of specific regions for 3-5
years, with a maximum of 150,000 soldiers stationed within its borders. The
occupying forces were primarily from Britain, Austria, Prussia, and Russia.
Financial Repercussions:
 Indemnity: France was forced to pay a hefty indemnity of 700 million francs
(French currency at the time) to compensate the Allied powers for the war's
costs.
Other Provisions:
 Military Limitations: Restrictions were placed on the size of the French
military to prevent future aggression.
 Confirmation of Neutrality: The treaty reaffirmed the neutrality of
Switzerland.
 It's important to note that the harshness of these provisions aimed to both
punish France for its recent actions and prevent the rise of another powerful leader
like Napoleon. The treaty ultimately contributed to a period of relative peace and
stability in Europe known as the Concert of Europe.

TREATY OF VIENNA : FINAL ACT 1815

The Treaty of Vienna, or more commonly known as the Final Act of the Congress
of Vienna, was not a single treaty but rather a series of agreements and protocols
signed at the conclusion of the Congress of Vienna in 1815. The Congress of
Vienna was a diplomatic gathering of European powers aimed at reshaping the
continent's political landscape after the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte and the
Napoleonic Wars.

Key agreements and protocols included in the Final Act of the Congress of Vienna:

1. Territorial Adjustments: The Final Act addressed territorial boundaries and

adjustments in Europe following the Napoleonic Wars. It sought to restore the pre-
war balance of power by redistributing territories among the major European states
and establishing buffer states to prevent future conflicts.

2. Restoration of Legitimate Monarchies: The Final Act emphasized the principle

of legitimacy, advocating for the restoration of legitimate monarchies and
traditional institutions that had been displaced by Napoleon's conquests. This
included the reinstatement of deposed rulers and the recognition of their territorial
rights.

3. Compensation and Indemnities: The Final Act outlined financial compensations

and indemnities to be paid by France and other defeated powers to the victorious
allies. These reparations were intended to offset the costs of war and reconstruction
 incurred by the Allied powers.

4. Creation of the Concert of Europe: The Final Act established the Concert of
Europe, a diplomatic framework aimed at maintaining peace and stability in
Europe through ongoing consultation and cooperation among the major powers.
The Concert of Europe provided a mechanism for resolving disputes and
addressing common interests to prevent future conflicts.

5. Colonial Realignment: The Final Act addressed colonial possessions and

established guidelines for colonial territories and trade among the European
powers. It sought to regulate colonial competition and prevent conflicts over
overseas territories.

Overall, the Final Act of the Congress of Vienna represented a comprehensive

diplomatic settlement that aimed to restore stability to Europe after years of
upheaval and conflict. While it did not solve all of Europe's problems, it laid the
groundwork for a new era of diplomacy and cooperation among the major powers,
shaping the continent's political landscape for decades to come.
IMPORTANT FIGURES IN VIENNA CONGRESS :

The Congress of Vienna, held from September 1814 to June 1815, brought
together numerous prominent diplomats and leaders from across Europe to
negotiate and establish a new order following the Napoleonic Wars. Some of the
most important figures involved in the Congress of Vienna include:

1. Klemens von Metternich (Austria): Metternich was one of the most influential
figures at the Congress. Serving as the Austrian Foreign Minister, he played a key
role in shaping the diplomatic proceedings and promoting conservative principles
to restore stability in Europe.

2. Viscount Castlereagh (Britain): Castlereagh represented Britain at the Congress

and was instrumental in advocating for British interests while also seeking to
balance the power dynamics in Europe. He worked closely with Metternich to
establish a new diplomatic framework.

3. Tsar Alexander I (Russia): As the ruler of Russia, Tsar Alexander I played a

significant role in the negotiations at the Congress. He promoted the concept of a
Holy Alliance among European monarchs and sought to ensure Russian influence
in the post-Napoleonic order.

4. Prince Charles Maurice de Talleyrand (France): Talleyrand represented France

at the Congress and skillfully negotiated on behalf of the restored Bourbon
monarchy. Despite France's defeat, Talleyrand managed to secure favorable terms
for France, including the restoration of its territorial integrity.

5. Prince Hardenberg (Prussia): Hardenberg served as the Prussian Chancellor and

played a crucial role in advocating for Prussian interests at the Congress. He
sought territorial gains for Prussia and pushed for a more liberal approach to
governance.

6. Prince von Humboldt (Prussia): As a diplomat and scholar, von Humboldt was a
key advisor to Prince Hardenberg and contributed to Prussia's diplomatic efforts at
the Congress.

7. Count de Jaucourt (Russia): Jaucourt represented Russia at the Congress and

was involved in negotiations concerning territorial adjustments and the
establishment of a new diplomatic order in Europe.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the Congress of Vienna represents a remarkable diplomatic

achievement that brought stability to Europe after years of upheaval and conflict.
Its legacy endured for decades, shaping the course of European politics and
international relations in the 19th and 20th centuries. While the conservative order
established at Vienna faced challenges from emerging nationalist and liberal
movements, the principles and institutions established by the Congress laid the
foundation for a new era of diplomacy and cooperation among the major powers.

• However, these attempts at long-term stability had limitations:

 Nationalistic Unrest: The imposed settlements ignored the rising tide of

nationalism in various European regions, leading to future conflicts.

 Repressed Liberalism: The focus on restoring monarchies suppressed

liberal ideas that had gained traction during the Napoleonic Wars, creating
underlying tensions.

 Fragile Peace: While the Concert of Europe maintained peace for decades, it
eventually fractured, contributing to later conflicts like the Crimean War and
ultimately, World War I.
 In conclusion, the Treaty of Paris and the Congress of Vienna attempted to
reconstruct Europe after the Napoleonic Wars, but their legacy was mixed.
While they achieved initial stability, they also planted seeds for future
conflicts by disregarding rising nationalistic and liberal sentiments.