Reasons for the fall of the Metternich system.
Reasons for the fall of the Metternich system.
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Reasons for the fall of the Metternich system:-
After the fall of Napoleon and the Vienna Conference, the Austrian Prime Minister Prince Metternich became the main controller of European politics during the subsequent period. The period from the Vienna Conference in 1815 to the February Revolution in 1848 is therefore called the "Metternich era". During this period, Metternich introduced a strongly reactionary, anti-liberal and anti - progressive ideology and conservative regime throughout Europe. This system is called the "Metternich system". However, the seeds of his downfall were hidden in Metternich's various policies. The reasons for the fall of Metternich's system were -
1. Anti-revolution policy:-
Metternich was a strong opponent of all kinds of progressive ideas arising from the French Revolution. He prevented the spread of all kinds of modern and progressive ideas through force and repressive policies. But the various progressive ideals born from the French Revolution taught people to think in the way of progress. Therefore, even though Metternich prevented their spread by force for only three decades, it eventually became popular among the people.
2. Restoration of monarchy: -
Through the Vienna Conference, Metternich installed various old dynasties in Europe on various thrones of Europe. For example, Louis XVIII of the Bourbon dynasty was installed on the throne of France. But as a result of the French Revolution, anger and opposition to the monarchy arose among the common people. Metternich's policy increased that anger. Basically, this led to the July Revolution in 1830 and the February Revolution in 1848.
3. Opponent of change: -
Metternich was intensely conservative and was a staunch opponent of any change. But because of this conservative policy, Europe began to lag behind the rest of the world. As a result, intense anger was generated among the people. In addition, due to the opposition to change, Europe fell behind in all aspects - economically, culturally, etc.
4. Industrial Revolution: -
The Industrial Revolution had already taken place in Europe. The Industrial Revolution made countries like England, Germany, etc. possess great economic power. In addition, Metternich made a huge mistake by not being able to understand the nature of the new era that had begun as a result of the Industrial Revolution.
5. Opposition from other European countries: -
As Metternich's policies blocked the progress of Europe, other European countries started opposing Metternich's system. For example, England and Russia were the first to abandon Metternich's policies, and later France also abandoned Metternich's policies. As a result, both Austria and Metternich's system gradually weakened.
6. Inconsistent policies: -
Metternich's policies were inconsistent with the times. On the one hand, the French Revolution gave rise to dynamic ideologies among the common people and scholars; On the other hand, the industrial revolution, urbanization, etc., ushered in a new era in Europe. But Metternich's anti - progressive policy was completely inconsistent there.
7. Strict implementation of policies in the field of education: -
Along with the political system, Metternich also strictly controlled the fields of education. He completely stopped the study of progressive subjects like philosophy, ethics, etc. in educational institutions. He appointed spies in educational institutions to ensure that progressive ideas were not propagated in educational institutions. But Metternich was unable to stop the progressive changes that the French Revolution had brought in the intellectual sphere of people.
8. Lack of public support: -
All of Metternich's policies and programs were forcibly imposed on the European common people and the royal family. This imposed diplomatic system was not openly accepted by the common people as well as the European royal family. Therefore, the Metternich system could not gain public support at any level - which was one of the reasons for its fall.
9. Various nationalist uprisings: -
Various nationalist uprisings in Europe dealt a severe blow to the Metternich system. For example, Ferdinand introduced a progressive regime in his own state against the Metternich system; Even in Portugal, a mass movement was organized against Metternich's policies. In addition, a strong movement started as a result of the spread of modern ideas in Naples. These nationalist uprisings ensured the fall of the Metternich system.
10. February Revolution (1848) and the fall of the Metternich system: -
The February Revolution of 1848 brought the fall of the July Monarchy and the "Second Republic" was established in France. The main reasons for the February Revolution were - the dominance of the bourgeoisie in the government, unfruitful foreign policy, price increases of every commodity, unemployment problems, commercial depression - etc. Although Louis Philippe lost the throne of Austria through the February Revolution, it was actually the fall of Metternich. When student, worker and common people's intense movement started in the Austrian capital, Vienna, it gradually spread throughout Austria. At this time, when 23 people were killed by police firing, the movement got out of control and the whole of Europe became turbulent. Metternich and Louis Philippe were forced to take refuge in England and the Metternich regime fell down.
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