What do you understand by conservatism ? Describe the objects and decisions of the Congress of Vienna and examine them too.
(1) Conservatism was a political philosophy that stressed the importance of tradition, established institutions and customs and preferred gradual development to quick change. (2) Objects : After the defeat of Napoleon, the European powers – Britain, Russia, Prussia and Austria met at Vienna. It was hosted by the Austrian Chancellor Duke Metternich. The object was to undo most of the changes that had taken place during the Napoleonic wars. (3) Decisions of the Congress : Some major decisions of the Congress were as given below:The Bourbon dynasty was restored in France. A number of states such as Netherlands, Piedmont, were strengthened on the boundaries of France to prevent French expansion in future. Thus, Belgium was included in Netherlands and Genoa in Piedmont. Prussia was given important new territories on France’s western frontiers. It got a portion of Saxony. Austria got control of northern Italy. Russia was given a part of Poland. She got most part of the Grand Dutchy of Warsaws and retained Finland. Russia emerged with a good number of addition and extended farther westward into Europe than ever. (4) Evaluation of the Congress : Conservative regimes set up in 1815 were autocratic. They did not tolerate criticism and dissent. They imposed censorship laws to control the newspapers, books, plays and ideas of liberty and freedom.
