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# Europa in the 19th Century after the Congress of Vienna: 1814-1848 ## The Aftermath of Napoleon The victory of the anti-Napoleonic coalition was followed by the Congress of Vienna (1814–1815). This Congress restored the pre-revolution borders and reestablished the absolute monarchies that had b...

# Europa in the 19th Century after the Congress of Vienna: 1814-1848 ## The Aftermath of Napoleon The victory of the anti-Napoleonic coalition was followed by the Congress of Vienna (1814–1815). This Congress restored the pre-revolution borders and reestablished the absolute monarchies that had been overthrown by Napoleon's conquests. ## The Holy Alliance At the same time, the Holy Alliance was created. This was a coalition of absolute monarchies—Prussia, Austria, and Russia—intended to suppress any future revolutions that might occur in Europe. ## The Rise of Liberalism Despite the efforts of the Holy Alliance, the ideals of the French Revolution had spread throughout Europe. The burgeoning European bourgeoisie—a new class including businessmen, merchants, and intellectuals—embraced liberalism, believing it would protect their interests. ## The French Revolution of 1830 In France, the liberal bourgeoisie overthrew the Bourbon monarchy in 1830. This was followed by a wave of revolutions across Europe. ## 1848 - The Year of Revolutions In 1848, a wave of revolutions, fueled by widespread discontent over economic hardship, swept across Europe. The working class in Europe, inspired by the 1830 French revolution, began to form labor unions and participate in politics. They organized demonstrations and strikes, demanding fairer working conditions and the right to vote. ## The Growing Influence of the People This period saw powerful demands for social and political reform: - **Workers rights**: The working class fought for reduced workdays, better wages, and representation in government. - **Voting rights**: The call for universal suffrage, where all adults, regardless of wealth, could vote, resonated across Europe. - **Democratic Systems**: The growth of liberal ideas led to calls for democratic reforms, with many demanding constitutions that guaranteed basic liberties and equal rights. ## The Shift in Power While these revolutions, fueled by the people's growing demands, initially seemed successful, they were eventually suppressed by the powerful European elites. However, the impact of these revolutions was profound. - They demonstrated the growing power of the people and their unwavering desire for change. - They highlighted the growing tension between the established elites and those who demanded a more democratic and equitable society. Despite the eventual suppression of many of these revolutionary movements, Europe had fundamentally changed. The forces of liberalism, democracy, and social justice were now firmly entrenched, and their influence would continue to shape the continent's political landscape for decades to come.