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The purpose of the Congress was to work out a peaceful solution to the disruptions of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars (Napoleon was in exile on Elba when it started); and reinforce the pre-war status quo regarding the Balance of Power in Europe.
The purpose of the Congress was to work out a peaceful solution to the disruptions of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars (Napoleon was in exile on Elba when it started); and reinforce the pre-war status quo regarding the Balance of Power in Europe.
The backward-looking delegates seriously underestimated the emerging force of nationalism, which was transforming Europe. Metternich, the Austrian chancellor, considered nationalism a blind for revolution and sought to curb its development through reactionary repression.
The delegates followed two guiding principles: legitimate ruling families had to be restored to their thrones (and illegitimate ones put in by Napoleon removed); secondly, when old boundaries could not be restored compensation would be paid in terms of new territories. The goal was to restore traditions and achieve a stable balance of power.
The backward-looking delegates seriously underestimated the emerging force of nationalism, which was rapidly transforming many countries. People saw their nation and its culture and language as more meaningful to their nation than ruling families. However, Metternich, the Austrian chancellor, considered nationalism a cover for revolution and sought to curb its development through reactionary repression.
==Decisions==
==Decisions==
The main provisions of the final Treaty of Vienna were:
The main provisions of the final Treaty of Vienna were: