Concert of Europe
Also called: Congress system · Topic: The Rise of Nationalism in Europe · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
The Concert of Europe was a system of regular cooperation among the great powers after the Congress of Vienna in 1815. The members were Austria, Russia, Prussia and Britain, and France joined later. They met at congresses to keep a balance of power, meaning no single state became too strong. They also aimed to keep the conservative order safe from liberal and national revolutions. Austria's chancellor, Metternich, was its main guide.
Example
At the Congresses of Troppau and Laibach (1820–21), the powers allowed Austria to send troops to crush a liberal revolt in Naples. Britain disliked this kind of interference, and it slowly moved away from the system.
Don't confuse with
- Holy Alliance: this was a separate pact made in 1815 by the monarchs of Russia, Austria and Prussia to rule by Christian principles. The Concert of Europe was a wider system of meetings among all the great powers, including Britain.