Discuss the reasons for Metternich's success.
Discuss the reasons for Metternich's success.
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Reasons for Metternich's success:-
In the history of Europe, the period from the Vienna Conference of 1815 to the February Revolution of 1848 is known as the Metternich era. Metternich, with the help of his outstanding personality, political foresight, diplomatic knowledge, etc., established conservatism and anarchism throughout Europe for about three decades. His main objective behind this was to establish the dominance and hegemony of Austria in European politics and to resist the liberal ideas born from the French Revolution. Although the monarchy ended with the February Revolution of 1848 and with it the Metternich regime also fell; still, it can be said that he was the main controller of European politics for more than three decades from the Congress of Vienna to the February Revolution. The reasons for Metternich's success are -
1. Political Foresight:-
Metternich had keen political foresight. He realized that the progressive ideas arising from the French Revolution were dangerous for the status quo in Europe. Therefore, he was the main representative of conservatism and the old regime. Therefore, Metternich easily gained the support of various royal families and supporters of the monarchy. As a result, Metternich could successfully implement his policies.
2. Diplomatic Power:-
Metternich realized that in order to establish the dominance of Austria in European politics, the entire European politics had to be tied together. At that time, other European states including France were weakened due to the revolution. Metternich used this opportunity to unite the supporters of the monarchy and establish the dominance of Austria.
3. Special status as a member of the Big Four:-
After the fall of Napoleon, the Big Four was formed with Austria, Prussia, Russia and England. Austria was the main power of the Big Four. As a result, Metternich gained a special status in European politics as the Prime Minister of Austria. His ideals, policies and diplomatic decisions were taken with special importance in European politics.
4. Gaining support from the monarchy: -
Metternich recognized the throne of all the legitimate dynasties of Europe before Napoleon through the principle of legitimacy of the Vienna Conference. As a result, all the European monarchies considered Metternich as the protector of the monarchy. In this way, Metternich became unique in European politics by gaining the support of almost all the European dynasties.
5. Support for the status quo: -
Although progressive ideas developed through the French Revolution, there were many events that made a class of people apathetic towards the revolution. After the French Revolution, the rule of the Directory and the Consulate and then Napoleon's imperialism - nothing could fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the people. They supported Metternich's policy of maintaining the status quo.
6. Gaining support from the clergy: -
After the French Revolution, the power of the clergy was greatly reduced, the property of the church was taken away from the hands of the clergy. Then, during Napoleon's time, the power of the clergy was further reduced. As a result, after the Vienna Conference, the conservative Metternich had no problem in getting the support of the clergy.
7. Metternich's role in the fall of Napoleon: -
Metternich played an important role in the fall of Napoleon. As a result, Metternich's political skills were praised in European politics after the fall of Napoleon. In addition, Metternich was able to easily fill the leadership vacuum created in European politics by the fall of Napoleon.
8. Possessed of a strong personality: -
Metternich possessed a strong personality. He was also a good speaker. As a result, this quality was particularly effective in gaining support from European monarchs for his policies and ideals. His political skills, knowledge, analytical skills, etc., elevated Metternich to the status of leader.
9. Marital relations: -
Metternich married the granddaughter of Count Konnik, the former Prime Minister of Austria. As a result, he was easily able to assume the role of an influential controller in Austrian politics.
10. Successful application of the principle of balance of power: -
One of Metternich's main objectives was to bring about balance in power among European states. For this purpose, he reorganized the entire Europe through the Vienna Conference. Thus, a balance of power was established in Europe. As a result, revolutionary ideologies were resisted and Austria's dominance in European politics was established.
11. Role as a controller of the Vienna Conference: -
After the fall of Napoleon, the Vienna Conference was held in the capital of Austria in 1815. Although representatives of various victorious states and defeated France were present at this conference, the role of the main controller was played by Austrian Prime Minister Metternich. As a result, naturally, the right to manage European politics after the Vienna Conference came into Metternich's hands.
12. Resistance to revolutionary ideologies: -
Metternich successfully resisted the progressive and revolutionary ideologies that emerged from the French Revolution throughout Europe. For this purpose, he adopted many reactionary policies and programs. He turned the whole of Europe into a police state. The revolution was resisted in the whole of Europe, including France, and Metternich's leadership was established.
In conclusion, it can be said that although Metternich established conservatism and the old regime on a solid foundation, he made a grave mistake by ignoring revolution and revolutionary ideologies. As a result, the Bourbon monarchy soon fell through the July Revolution in 1830, and the Metternich system came to an end with the fall of the July monarchy through the February Revolution in 1848.
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