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Congress of Vienna Mini Guide Congress of Vienna Boston Invitational Model United Nations XVI February 10-12, 2017 // bosmun.org MINIGUIDE CONGRESS OF VIENNA + Congress of Vienna Start Date: November 1st, 1814 Following Napoleon's defeat and his renouncement of the throne in September of 1814, the state of Europe has been in much disarray over the aftermath of the Napoleonic wars. In an attempt to restructure and reorganize the powers of Europe, a congress has been called in Vienna, Germany. While most European states plan on making an appearance at the congress, there seems to be a clear alliance already forming between the nations of Austria, Prussia, Russia, and Great Britain by nature of the Treaty of Chaumont.1 Together these four powers have deemed themselves instrumental in the defeat of Napoleon. And while they have reached out to countries such as Sweden and Poland, the four view themselves as the strongest powers to be present at the Congress of Vienna and as such are attempting to maintain the ultimate control and decision making of the conference. As the conference delegates begin to convene, opinions over the procedures of how the congress will abide by are coming into conflict. While Austria, Prussia, Russia, and Great Britain deemed themselves the countries in control of the conference, representatives of France and other nations of weaker political position, are denying this as a possibility.2 Proceedings have been delayed as a result, but the date is now November 1st, 1814 and the 1 “Treaty of Chaumont” https://www.britannica.com/event/Treaty-of-Chaumont 2 “Congress of Vienna” https://www.britannica.com/event/Congress-of-Vienna PAGE 2 MINIGUIDE CONGRESS OF VIENNA congress is set to convene and begin debate. The rules of debate and committee have been decided to let all countries be represented equally and on fair ground with one another. However, as the congress is composed of individual representatives, each individual delegate will have an equal vote and say in the committee proceedings. What is to unfold may very well bring peace unto Europe for decades to come, or result in yet another war. PAGE 3 MINIGUIDE CONGRESS OF VIENNA + Topic 1 Formation of a German Confederation Originally it appeared as if nothing could stop the military might of Napoleon Bonaparte in his conquest of Europe, even overcoming the Holy Roman Empire in December of 1805. With the territories obtained after the fall of the Holy Roman Empire in August 6th, 1806, in combination with the territories obtained by the Treaty of Luneville, France established a network of German satellite states to operate beyond the Rhine.3 Napoleon himself, alongside a committee of princes, redistributed the German territories in such a manner as to reduce number of autonomous states, but simultaneously prevent any singular state from becoming too powerful as to provide a threat to France. In this process, both Austria and Prussia gained territory from the German region, but Austria was still not satisfied. Austria and Russia joined in a coalition against Napoleon to put a stop to his conquests. But this did not prove successful, as Napoleon repelled both of the significantly larger armies at the Battle of Austerlitz.4 Following the battle, Napoleon organized 16 of the German states into the Confederation of the Rhine. The Confederation of the Rhine was a vassal state who owed their 3 “Treaty of Luneville” http://www.napoleon-series.org/research/government/diplomatic/c_luneville.html 4 “Napoleonic Wars: Battle of Austerlitz” http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/napoleonicwars/p/austerlitz.htm PAGE 4 MINIGUIDE CONGRESS OF VIENNA allegiance to Napoleon, eventually growing in numbers and support.5 This confederation provided great benefits to Napoleon’s army, providing upward of 63,000 troops. However, because the confederation was tied to Napoleon’s military success, when he fell so did the organization.6 The organization of the German states now lies at the discretion of this committee, whether that be to allow Germany to become its own nation, or to incorporate all of the German territories amongst the current powers. While some may choose to follow the ideas proposed by the Treaty of Chaumont, the powers of this committee allow us to override such an outline. What lies essential to this question is which of the options, or any other, provides a better opportunity to establish a lasting peace and balance of powers in Europe. 5 “The End of the Holy Roman Empire” http://www.historytoday.com/richard-cavendish/end-holy-roman-empire 6 “Confederation of the Rhine” http://www.napoleonguide.com/confed_rhine.htm PAGE 5 MINIGUIDE CONGRESS OF VIENNA + Focus Questions 1) Is there a necessity to unite the German states? 2) What effects does a German confederation have on lasting peace in Europe? 3) What benefits, if any, does a German confederation provide to your nation and you individually? 4) What benefits, if any, does the incorporation of German territory amongst the current powers provide to your nation and you individually? 5) How can you ensure the stabilization of the German states and its governance in the long term? + Useful Resources The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Confederation of the Rhine.” Encyclopaedia Britannica. October 1st, 2016. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Confederation-of-the-Rhine The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “German Confederation.” Encyclopaedia Britannica. August 21st, 2008. October 1st, 2016. https://www.britannica.com/topic/German-Confederation PAGE 6 MINIGUIDE CONGRESS OF VIENNA + Topic 2 Ownership of Poland & Saxony In order combat the emergence of yet another European power, the powers of Russia, Prussia, and Austria divided what was known of “Poland” amongst themselves and prevented the rise of an independent nation. This, however, did not stop the Polish people from attempting to revolt and establish a sense of self governance. Between 1797 and 1802 a number of rebellions called attention to the old commonwealth, but this appeared to no avail as no Polish nation emerged. 7 Though this may not have been a fruitless effort. Napoleon Bonaparte recognized in 1807 the Duchy of Warsaw as an independent state of Polish origins. The Duchy of Warsaw became a supporter of Napoleon Bonaparte in return and provided over 98,000 men to assist Napoleon in his war efforts. Following the fall of Napoleon, the Duchy of Warsaw still stands and currently under the control of Russia8 In a similar fashion, the Kingdom of Saxony stood by Napoleon as the Duchy of Warsaw had. While Russia took control of Warsaw, Prussia gained influence in Saxony.9 7 “The Three Partitions, 1764-95” http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/pl-history-partitions.htm 8 “Duchy of Warsaw” https://www.britannica.com/place/Duchy-of-Warsaw 9 “Saxony” https://www.britannica.com/place/Saxony-historical-region-duchy-and-kingdom-Europe PAGE 7 MINIGUIDE CONGRESS OF VIENNA The question now stands of after the Napoleonic wars, what to do with the current ownership of the Duchy of Warsaw, the Kingdom of Saxony, and the territories of Poland? While many claim that the current powers of the region should maintain control of these disputed territories, such as Russia gaining Warsaw and Prussia gaining Saxony, others fear this will give undeserved influence to the respective nations. The efforts of the Congress of Vienna seem fitted to not only end the current period of war that Napoleon inflicted upon Europe, but to also ensure war does not return to the region for years to come. Plausible solutions for the maintenance of peace seem divided on how to distribute power evenly amongst the existing parties at the Congress. However, the option still stands to allow a Polish nation to arise of its own accord. PAGE 8 MINIGUIDE CONGRESS OF VIENNA + Research Questions 1. Are the current claims to Poland and Saxony lawful? 2. What influence would the addition of Poland and Saxony bring unto a current power? 3. Could Poland and or Saxony become an independent European power? 4. How can the Congress of Vienna ensure that its decisions are maintained after the conference concludes? + Useful Resources The Columbia Electronic Encyclopaedia. “Saxony” Columbia University Press. October 2nd, 2016. http://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/world/saxony-history.html The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Duchy of Warsaw.” Encyclopaedia Britannica. September 30th, 2008. October 2nd, 2016. https://www.britannica.com/place/Duchy-of- Warsaw PAGE 9 .
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