Congress of Vienna Project

The Conference

The French Revolution and Napoleon’s desire to establish an empire created a sense of instability throughout much of Europe.  After Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo, diplomats and heads of state sat down at the Congress of Vienna.  From September 1814 to June 1815, these leaders faced the monumental task of restoring stability and order after 25 years of war and upheaval.

The Setting:

• Chaos and fear of revolution spread throughout Europe and much of the world.

• France conquered territory as far east as Moscow.

• The Holy Roman Empire is abolished.

• Great Britain, Austria, Prussia, Russia and France suffered economic and human loss as a result of years of war.

• Feelings of nationalism spread across Europe.

• Partnerships and alliances emerged between different European countries.

• Prussia and Russia grew ambitious, wanting more territories.

Your task: You and your group members will present a simulation of the Congress of Vienna to the class.  Each country will be comprised of five people (one group will only have four).  Each group will represent a country at the Congress in Vienna and negotiate with diplomats from other countries to bring a new stability to war torn Europe.

        Things to consider and complete while in congress (during your presentation!)

1. Create policies that will ensure stability

• What will provide stability to all of Europe?  Your goal is to create and promote peace and stability throughout Europe for decades!
• What types of government are most appropriate for each country?
• Should a multi-national governing body be formed to make sure the likes of Napoleon never rampage across Europe again?

    2. Redraw the map of Europe to reflect a balanced Europe

• Does France still exist? 

    3. Diplomats in attendance at the Congress will show their agreement with the terms by signing the document

Diplomats at the Congress of Vienna

To do list for this project:

Day One...working with your group members who have the same country!

1) In your country group research your statesmen, country, and general information about the Congress of Vienna

2) Discuss background material about your country with your group...issues you will bring up with the other countries when you plan out the Congress

• What was it like during the Napoleonic Era of War?
• What kind of losses did we face?
• Who do we blame?
• As victors, what will demand in reparations
• How will we ensure that there is a balance of power throughout Europe to prevent future wars and the rise of another Napoleon?

3) Design a plan or strategy for negotiations at the Congress - Questions to ask your group members,

• How will you get what you want?  How will you protect yourself?  What are you willing to compromise?

Day Two...working with your group you will want to go out and forge alliances and create strategies with other nations!  You and your country want to create a cohesive plan or strategy when the Congress convenes.  Meet and debate with other countries, do you have similar or different interests?  Or send out spies to other countries to see what they are planning. 

1) Design a plan for negotiation at the Congress -

• How is everyone going to get what they want?
• What kind of compromises are going to have to occur - Your actual presentation will not be senseless bantering!  It must have fact and reason backing up your groups decisions!
• The biggest issue is creating stability on the continent but while also advancing your country's interest (nationalism is strong during this period).

2) Each member should have a working outline as to what issues are going to be discussed...if you need some additional ideas in regards to what should be discussed, refer back to the task which lays out what should be completed by the end of this presentation.

3) The most difficult part of this presentation is working well to create a cohesive presentation.  Therefore, it is imperative that you work well with one another to complete the worksheet so you know what countries to work with during the Congress.  The most you will be allowed to have with you during presentations is a index card...remember, reading off a piece of paper only proves that you are not prepared!  Your grade will reflect the level preparation.

Day Three...you will have a few minutes to review format and then groups will present.  The room will be in a large oval and you will be sitting with your country members.  Each group will have a minute to outline their interests and desires at the end of the Napoleonic Age, each member should speak.  Then, in an open forum, your country will convene at Congress and try and advance two goals...European stability and your nation's own interests.

- Links have been provided to start your search!  You can find out what group you are in by looking at your Block

• Congress of Vienna
• Russia            Tsar Alexander I
• Austria           Prince Klemens von Metternich
• France           Charles Talleyrand
• Britain            Lord Castlereagh
• Prussia          Prince von Hardenberg

- After you have gathered information move onto discussing background material with your country group to create a strategy for the Congress

Groups:

Block One

Russia: Veronica, Kelly, Lauren, Erik, Sarah

Austria: Justin, Megan W., Zach, Karlee, Evie

France: Kayla, Paul, Casey, Robbie, Ian

Britain: Amber, Amy, Tootsie, Megan P., Ashley

Prussia: Val, Dave, Spencer, Jenna, Jesse

Block Three

Russia: Jonni, Amal, Michelle, Morgan S., Anthony

Austria: Mike, Miles, Andrew, Tim, Shane

France: Brandon, Rosina, Ben, Lauren, Imran

Britain: Kelsey, Sebastian, Spencer, Tom, Shannon

Prussia: Kevin, Eric, Morgan C., Jake