1. In the Congress of Vienna (1814-1815), representatives of the major European nations formed an agreement in response to the changes caused by the French Revolution and Napoleon's attempts to conquer the region. The agreement resulted in the borders of the European nations being redrawn. The main principle in redrawing the map of Europe was to attain a balance of power that would lead to peace and stability. For example, an effort was made to create "effective barriers against any renewed French imperialism" (Roberts 19). The four most powerful nations (Britain, Austria, Prussia and Russia) took control of various territories so that they could better protect themselves from future invasions. The plan for keeping the agreement intact involved cooperation among the major European nations. For example, the national leaders planned to have regular diplomatic meetings for the sake of maintaining security (Roberts 21). The effort was not entirely successful. Despite the Congress of Vienna, the nineteenth century continued to be a time of "heightening revolutionary aspirations" (Roberts 21-22). On the other hand, the Congress of Vienna established a "conservative Continental order against which all subsequent reformers and revolutionaries had to contend" (Davies 763). Although certain changes occurred in the international order over the following years, the Congress of Vienna created "a map of Europe that was not to change in its essentials until 1914-18" (Davies 763).
2. The French Revolution (1789-1799) had inspired people throughout Europe to demand their rights and to consider the possibilities of overthrowing the monarchical governments of the time. In 1815, the Congress of Vienna created a new international order that was meant to prevent such revolutions from occurring. Despite this, a revolution occurred in 1830 in France, in which King Charles X was driven from power. Charles was replaced by his cousin, Louis-Philippe, ...