The Downfall of Napoleon

            AFTERMATH OF THE VIENNA CONGRESS AND THE BEGINNING OF THE LIBERAL MOVEMENT IN ITALY.

             The Congress of Vienna was an international conference that was called after the downfall of Napolean, to redivide Europe and establish a lasting peace in the land. The main goal seemed to be 'turning back the clock" by putting those families which had been removed from power either by revolution or the efforts of Napolean back into power.

             In September 1814, the Congress of Vienna convened with representatives from England, Prussia, Russia, Austria, France, and several smaller countries. The congress met to reconstruct a map of Europe and develop a balance of power that would prevent another massive take-over by one country.

             In 1796 Italy was invaded by the French and Napolean Bonaparte introduced a new code of law. With this many changes came about and for the first time after years of decadence and the French revolution, there was no longer a dynastic monarchy but rather a constitutional monarchy. However, this all came to an abrupt halt when Napolean surrendered to the allied powers of Europe in Paris after 150 000 troops were marched into the city.

             Prince Klemens of Metternich was the president of the congress, and together the major powers of Europe set about eradicating French influence in Italy. This led to the breaking up of the Napoleonic settlement and old boundaries and rulers were re-imposed. .

             Apart from Piedmont, Austria had control over the entire peninsula and aristocratic privileges were restored. Ideals of progress and a constitutional monarchy stood very little chance and Italy was forced to revive what had been before the French revolution. Restored rulers abolished constitutions adopted during the Napoleonic era and absolutism was once again returned. Nationalism was ignored and many of the Italian states were placed under foreign rule, thus leaving Italy a partitioned state.

             These happenings were disastrous for the liberals and they were forced to go underground forming secret societies( e.

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