Central Europe in the 19th Century

1. 📌 Essentials

• The Holy Roman Empire was a loose political union of German-speaking states, dissolved in 1806.
• The Congress of Vienna (1814–1815) reshaped Europe’s borders and created the German Confederation- The German Confederation (39 states) was dominated by Austria, aimed to preserve monarchies- Repressive measures like the Carlsbad Decrees (1819) aimed to control revolutionary ideas and censorship.
• Nationalism and liberalism challenged conservative monarchic order, promoting unity and rights.
• The Holy Alliance (Austria, Russia, Prussia) sought to suppress revolutionary movements.
• Austria’s influence declined due to reliance on repression, censorship, and failure to reform.
• Key figures: Prince Metternich, who led conservative policies and repression.
• Repressive laws (1832) further limited political freedoms and suppressed nationalist movements.
• The period was characterized by conservative reaction, repression, and growing nationalist and liberal movements.

---