The Congress of Vienna

Before the war with Napoleon ended, Great Britian, Russia, Austria, and Prussia agreed to the treaty of Chaumont, in which they agreed to stand united against another French uprising, assuring peace in Europe. After the war, this "Quadruple Alliance" organized the Congress of Vienna, one of the most important international agreements ever made. Great Britain was represented by the Viscount Castlereigh, Russia by Alexander I himself, Austria by Prince Klemens von Metternich, and Prussia by Prince Karl August von Hardenberg. Eventually, France itself joined the congress, represented by Prince Talleyrand. One of the most important issues during this congress was the fate of Poland. Napoleon had turned some of what was Poland into the Dutchy of Warsaw during his reign, and now the five representatives had the important job of deciding how to partition and divide the ownerless territory. Alexander I wanted to turn the Dutchy and the Austrian and Prussian possessions of Poland into a kingdom under Russian "protection". Hardenberg agreed to this, as long as it could have the kingdom of Saxony. Metternich of Austria and Castlereagh were both opposed to the idea, believing Alexander to be attempting to slowly gain control over all of Europe. Metternich, Castlereigh, and Hardenberg came to Alexander, trying to arrange a compromise, but all failed. For months there was talk of war. Finally, Talleyrand came upon a solution. He created a "secret" alliance with Talleyrand and Metternich which was directed against Russia and Prussia. This "secret" was allowed to be leaked to Alexander, and the tsar backed down. In this way, this and many other problems involving territory were solved at this congress, restoring peace in Europe...for the time being.