congress of vienna Topic A: Reconstructing a Post-Napoleonic Europe In the shadow of the most seminal revolution in modern history and the collapse of a French empire, delegates convened at Vienna to conclude settlements not addressed by the Treaty of Paris (1814). Many expected the proceedings to last weeks; all told, they spent over eight months in Vienna, arguing over territorial distributions, constitutionalism, and a plan of perpetual peace. This committee will place you in their position within standard BMUN procedure. Initially set in September of 1814, you will represent delegates who attended the Congress of Vienna and operate on a moving timeline; therefore, our committee will conclude in July of 1815 on the third day of BMUN conference. This also demands a certain General escape from Elba in February, a situation that must be addressed regardless of your progress through the topics. Topic A is primarily concerned with territorial arrangements not settled by the Treaty of Paris (1814) and the construction of a military alliance to prevent conflict. Having suffered continuous bloodshed since revolutionary France incited the War of the First Coalition (1792) and having finally toppled Napoleon Bonaparte - the briefly undisputed master of Europe more powerful than any Roman Emperor - a top priority was to avert the possibility of another armed conflict and the emergence of a Napoleon-esque figure through sound rearrangements of European borders and the formation of a military alliance. The specific questions our committee will center on are as follows: the arrangement of Italian city-states, the construction of a constitution governing German principalities in the absence of the Holy Roman Empire, and a system to avert European warfare. I chose this topic because I believe it offers a vital vantage point through which to examine world history; often lost in the zeitgeist, the arrangements established in Vienna would pave the way for many crucial events that followed. The reconstruction of Europe following the Napoleonic Era was an unprecedented undertaking, spearheaded by those who sought to undo the devastation of Napoleon’s reign and prevent others from following the footsteps of Revolutionary France. The strategic restructuring of various regions as part of this process fueled imperialism and modernized international relations, paving the way for BERKELEY MODEL UNITED NATIONS the standardization of European diplomacy. Foreknowledge is a useful asset here, so while crafting solutions keep in mind events that followed the Congress. While researching, also pay attention to the potency of ideologies (whether it be Jacobinism, Conservatism, Liberalism, or Nationalism) and the influence they had over the unfolding of events. Additionally, keep in mind that Topic A is closely connected to Topic B, and your solutions for one must operate in tandem with your solutions for the other; do not approach them in isolation. Topic B: Preventing Revolutions in European Territory In addition to concerns of a European-wide war, many delegates feared new insurrections resembling the French Revolution, a violent and radical uprising that would drastically shift politics in Europe. The Enlightenment ideals espoused and the forms of republicanism they established during France’s revolutionary expansion would foster new demands and expectations from the peoples of Europe; in our committee, you will face the questions that delegates at Vienna attempted to answer regarding constitutionalism, monarchy, and democracy. You must decide to what extent, if any, should elements of the Enlightenment (constitutionalism in particular) be implemented; which regions, if any, should see reform; and how a plan of perpetual peace, such as a military alliance or something distinct, should respond to revolutions. I chose this topic because of its connection to the French Revolution and democratic transitions more broadly. The push and pull between revolution, reform, and repression as revolutions persisted during this period is interesting and important; this was the moment the Enlightenment grew teeth, and as such it serves as a critical piece of political history for anyone hoping to study the birth of modern democracy. In addition, this topic deals with the nature of revolutions: how they begin, how can they succeed, and why they frequently fail. I find this a fascinating subject that underscores a great deal about the structure of government, the psychology of humans, and the impact of ideas; I hope you uncover compelling themes upon exploring it as well. In history textbooks, the French Revolution, along with the seeds of liberalization that it planted in the heart of Europe, is almost omnipresent. Fewer mention the reactionary response from monarchs that pushed back during the Congress of Vienna. Faced with an uncertain future, the leaders of Europe aimed to preserve the balance of power, check the spread of revolutionary movements, and erase the progress made in democratization. Unfortunately, similar echoes ring across nations over two hundred years later. BERKELEY MODEL UNITED NATIONS The single most important thing to consider when beginning your research is the following question: what caused the wave of revolutions that swept Europe for nearly five decades? The Enlightenment certainly played a role, but there were other factors involved, and historians frequently debate them; deciding where you stand on this question should serve as your foundation for solutions, so examine it with great care. Moreover, the relationship between power and the status quo is something to consider as well. Consider the events that followed the Congress of Vienna and the desires of the delegates who attended; did the delegates achieve their aims, or were there responses to the revolutionary fervor deficient? These are not simple questions, but grappling with them will yield stellar solutions and greatly prepare you for conference. We cannot wait to see you in February; make sure to prepare, and good luck. BERKELEY MODEL UNITED NATIONS.