Klemens Metternich

Metternich chaired the Congress of Vienna, which redrew European borders after Napoleon's defeat. He advocated for the principle of legitimacy and balance of power, establishing a conservative order that lasted decades.

Metternich helped create the Holy Alliance between Austria, Prussia, and Russia. The alliance aimed to suppress revolutionary movements and maintain monarchical rule across Europe.

Metternich orchestrated the Carlsbad Decrees, which imposed censorship on universities and press in the German Confederation. The decrees suppressed liberal and nationalist movements, reinforcing conservative control.

Metternich convened the Congress of Troppau to address revolutions in Naples and Spain. He secured the Troppau Protocol, which authorized Austrian intervention to suppress liberal uprisings in Italy.

Metternich's conservative system collapsed during the Revolutions of 1848. He was forced to resign as Chancellor and flee to England, ending his decades-long dominance of European diplomacy.