Britain's view of France during the Congress of Vienna

The most basic purpose of the Congress of Vienna was to undo what Napoleon had done to Europe. Britain was one of the few countries who was able to hold off being taken over by Napoleon because of their strong navy and control of the high seas. This made Britain and France enemies of a sort, and thus Britain would see to it that France was punished. Britain was most likely pleased with the results of the congress, for they were able to obtain some valuable lands, although they gave up little in the conquests of Napoleon. Going into the meeting, Britain wanted France to as little of the land as possible to completely suppress the power Napoleon had developed. France gained only the Land of Two Sicilies, and were given no power anywhere else in Europe. This satisfied Britain who would do whatever necessary to crush the French empire.

Russia's View of Great Britain in the Congress of Vienna

Russia really didn't care to much about Britain or their gains since neither of them had similar interests in territories. They were mainly apathetic towards each other and Russia focused more on eastern Europe while Britain focused more on Western Europe.

Napoleon's affect on Britain

The Napoleonic Wars lasted from 1803 to 1815. During this time Britain remained at war. They were protected by naval supremacy, so they could maintain low intensity on land warfare. Britain, Russia, and Austria formed a new coalition when they teamed together. To conquer Europe, Napoleon would now have to face this new powerful coalition. In 1803, Britain and France resumed war. Britain was soon joined by Russia and Austria. Britain inflicted a naval defeat at the battle of Trafalgar in 1805. As a result, Napoleon halted his plans to invade Britain and instead focused on the Austria and Russia forces and defeated them at Austerlitz.
Later in 1805, after Napoleon escaped Elba, his loss at Waterloo marked the end of reign. The British imprisoned him on the remote island of St. Helena where he died in 1821.

Austrian View of Britain during the Congress of Vienna

I, Prince Klemens Von Metternich, write to express my views on the great British empire. I see the British as a tremendous ally and they have been incredibly helpful with winning us parts of Italy. Also, their common goal of limiting the power of Russia bodes well for us Austrians, being as we worry about their unnoticed power in Eastern Europe. Britain wants independance for much of Poland, and I have no problem accepting this. Castlereagh and I are getting along well, and our give and take relationship seems to be working out for the best in terms of land claims. However, where we differ is on the issue of the German Confederation. Castlereagh insists on a strong confederation with Austro-Prussian leadership, a proposal that I simply cannot accept. I wish for weak Austrian leadership, and if the Brits are not willing to accept this, I fear that our relationship may sour. I hope that they will also support me in my mission to root out revolutionary ideas in Europe and return to the status quo. I hope to see a decline of liberalism, a goal that I simply do not know whether Britain shares.

The British view of Austria during the Congress of Vienna

I write, as the famous Castlereagh, to explain my views on the Austrians at this date, especially the wily Prince Klemens Von Metternich. Although we do have a good relationship, Metternich and I, we differ on some things. In terms of agreements, we both believe that Russia must be kept out of the European picture and that independance is the key for many lands. The Austrians know what they want, namely Italy and certain German provinces, and I respect them for not becoming greedy. However, when it comes to the general grouping of the German Confederation, we differ greatly on opinions. While Metternich feels that Austria should dominate the Confederation, preferably weakly, we believe that it should be a strong Confederation with Austro-Prussian lead. I do not feel that we are being unfair, for we are ceding the lands to other nations. However, the Austrians seem to be particularly stubborn here, even though we are willing to give them their wishes in Italy. They worry about Prussia's influence and a subsequent relationship with Russia. We simply feel that we cannot allow Austria to gain this power, because it would upset the overall balance. Hopefully this issue does not sour our relationship, because the Austrians will surely be a key ally in trying to grant independance to many Eastern European areas.

Page 697 - 704 “French Revolution”

The French Revolution began with the financial problems the government created. The third estate was the only one being taxed as well as being the largest and poorest. Through the formation of the National Assembly after the Tennis Court Oath, the third estate swore not to dissolve until a constitution was written. The constitution, deriving from the American revolution, had the purpose of holding all of the laws of the country. But chaos was storming the streets of France with the poor revolting due to their lack of bread, and after the storming of the Bastille the French country side was being invaded by criminals. With the havoc surrounding france some nobles and delegates at Versailles began urging equal taxation and to end feudal dies. A law was passed and feudal dues were eliminated. Then on August 27, 1789, the National Assembly created the Declaration of the Rights of Man, which said, "Men are born and remain free and equal in rights."

Page 704-712 "World War & Republican France 1791-1799"

Outside of France, many people such as, liberals and radicals, hoped that the revolution would lead to a reordering of society everywhere. However, conservatives believed otherwise. They believed changes would result in chaos and tyranny. Fear spread among numerous European kings and nobility. They thought that the revolution would spread, thus, they created the Declaration of Pillnitz. This threatened the invasion of France by Austria and Prussia. In retaliation to this, France declared war on Austria.
The "Second Revolution" and intense radicalization took place in France. France was proclaimed a republic. The national convention was split between Girondists and the Mountain, led by Robespierre and Danton. Louis XVI was tried and convicted. He was guillotined in early 1793. The war against tyranny continued in France, as they declared war on most of Europe, including Britain.
The Reign of Terror was led by Robespierre. He instituted this program to eliminate opposition to the revolution. As a result, approx. 40,000 people were jailed or executed. However, Robespierre also made positive changes. He fixed prices on key products and instituted rationing to help the poor.
The Thermidorian reaction came as a result to Robespierre's rule. The Reign of Terror eventually led to Robespierre's death. The country was in great fear of him and the only solution was death. The Thermidorian reaction was marked by return to bourgeois liberalism. It also marked the end of the poor losing fervor for revolution. Riots by the poor were also put down.
Thus, the middle class established another constitution to protect power. The Directory was formed. It consisted of a five man executive board. However, a military dictatorship was formed by Napoleon. He did this to prevent return to peace and monarchy.

The Napoleonic Era (Pgs. 712-718)

The age now known as the Napoleonic Era, a time when Napoleon Bonaparte, originally of Corsica, reigned supreme over France and much of Europe, had a great affect on England and the UK. Napoleon took advantage of France's vulnerability during a Revolution, and became the hero that they needed so dearly. When Napoleon became ruler, his military genius became evident as he began his conquest of Europe. One of his greatest opponents was England and their highly superior Navy, which he unsuccessfully attempted to conquer usuing his plan know as the Continental System. Napoleon tried to blockade the British and destroy them economically in order to weaken the country overall and allow Napoleon and his army to take over England. Instead, his plan backfired, and his own country deteriorated because of their strong economic ties with England. Thus, England's superiority on the high seas allowed them to virtually steer clear of Napoleon's terror.

Peace Settlement, 755-761

Britain, along with conservatives of Russia, Prussia, and Austria, defeated France and put them in a position to negotiate. Great Britain was among these 5 countries that met for the Congress of Vienna following Napoleon's rule. Britain was instrumental in leading an agreement that neither tore apart France or allowed them to regain epic power. The concept of the balance of power was able to form Europe as a balanced continent with no overwhelming power. Although the section talks much about Metternich and his ideas, Britain was actually quite quiet after the peace settlement.

691-697, Liberty and Equality

This area dealt with the principles and actions behind the American Revolution. Obviously the American revolution had a lot to do with Britain. What is ironic is that many of the Englightenment ideas that began in England would later be used in America against them. The Americans, after gaining independence based on Englightenment ideas that stated that the people could rebel against a tyrannical king, then went on to establish a constitution based on the new principles of government. Although the situation was clearly a hit to Britain, it also affected them positively, because they were losing money in the Americas each year.

Population Growth and Cottage Industry (637-645)

Early on, the section refers primarily to Europe in general. As the 18th century began, population began to grow as a result of better conditions. Filth was generall removed and diets improved with new agricultural developments. Although population had increased only gradually between teh 10th and 17th centuries for the most part, it began to explode in the 1700's. England, like other countries, began to see its population double every 40 years, as opposed to the 70 to 100 years that had preceded it.

With this larger increase in population, England took the lead in beginning small-scale, home-based industry. As more people crowded the fields, each person had less land provided for them, leading to the necessity of another form of income. The result was the putting-out system, which began in England. Merchants would bring raw materials to rural industrial workers, who would in turn spin or weave the thread, selling it back to the merchant. England's system was crucial in forming the basis for the industrial revolution on a large-scale later on.

The Impact of Diet on Health (673-684)

Like most of Europe, England ran on a diet primarily lacking Vitamins A and C as the 18th century began. Both the rich and the poor saw little reason for growing vegetables when grain and meat seemed far more effective options. However, with the introduction of the potato, first in the United Kingdom in Ireland, Europe had a new source of nutrition. The potato nourished soil by growing underground, and provided nutrients while supplying more calories per amount of space than grain. The poor were able to keep proper nutrition with the cheap vegetable, primarily the paupers of Ireland.
With advancements in diet came necessary changes in the medical world. Hospitals finally became more helpful in curing the sick rather than giving an almost certain death sentence. Mental hospitals, which were originally inhumane, keeping patients in chains, took new strides when the William Tuke of England took the chains off of his patients and treated them as real people. By the end of the 18th century, medicine had become more practical and less based on faith and miracle.
During this period, there was also a strong emphasis on Protestant Revival, led in England by John Wesley, who had a vivid style that brought people back to religion. He was very influential, speaking in fields and public places to reach all audiences. Anglicanism appeared to gain new strength with his works.

The Changing LIfe of the People (pgs. 662-673)

During the late 1700's and into the early 1800's, the family life within all European countries changed drastically. Families lived and raised their children under the same roof as their brothers and sisters. The extended families provided security for the older members of the family. Men and women married late in their lives; years after reaching adulthood and beginning to work. Men stayed at home until they were economically able to start their own household, however most boys worked very hard for meager wages. The plowed and wove, while the girls spun and tended to the cows. When a boy worked away from the home, he drifted from job to job within a town. Many girls were sent off as servants to other families, while the wages they earned were given directly to their family. This girls were constantly under the eye of mistresses who were often abusive. Women became a victim of sexual harassment, many times resulting in an undesired pregnancy. These women were looked down upon by society, as were their illegitimate, bastard children. Premarital sex was strongly apposed because of the threat it posed on a close-knit community, and was often practiced only by those contemplating marriage. Childhood was a dangerous time for many received little schooling and experienced less than satisfactory medical care. Many infants were killed because of the simple fact that there were too many children to feed. Children of all classes were considered unimportant at this time mainly because of the growing death rate of infants.
The upper class led the way in the development of literature and eventually minimal education. Illiteracy was still prominent within the common people. The minimal literacy that now existed inspired the growth of literature, with the Bible still being the most popular. Books became a small escape from the harshness of reality. Europeans began living longer and developing better nutrition. Their diet consisted mainly of bread, and was washed down with wine, beer, water and minimal skim milk. Life improved over this time period; however the treatment of women and children drastically worsened.

Building the Atlantic Economy (pgs. 645-655)

Great Britain was formed in 1707, which was the union of England and Scotland in a single kingdom. Great Britain had taken the lead in expansion in world trade. Therefore, the British played a key part in building a unified Atlantic economy, which provided extraordinary opportunities for them and their colonies.
Mercantilism is defined as, a system of of economic regulations aimed at increasing the power of the state, particularly by creating a favorable balance of trade. The English wanted to expand their military power and private wealth, and did so by creating the mercantile system of the Navigation Acts. These acts required that goods exported to England must be on British ships. As a result, the Navigation Acts gave England a trade monopoly with its colonies. France now become jealous of their rivals, Britain, and the two engaged in many wars as a result. France ended up losing the War of Spanish Succession and was forced to give Britain their land in Canada. Additionally, France lost the Seven Years' War and lost all their North American possessions.
The British mercantilist system actually benefited the American colonies. The colonies exported food to the West Indies to feed the slaves, and tobacco and sugar to Britain. The American shipping industry was successful and thus was expanding as a result. Britain also benefited from its mercantile system. The astonishing expansion and affluent agricultural populations of the colonies provided a vast market for English manufactured goods. However, England was losing interest from their European market. This was due to the enormous amount of trading Britain was doing with its colonies.