A New Conservatism after 1815
The defeat of Napoleon in 1815 led to a significant conservative shift in European politics, characterized by the desire to maintain established traditions and institutions. Conservatives believed that monarchy, religion, social hierarchies, and family structures should remain intact, adapting them to modern realities rather than completely reversing revolutionary changes.
Following the Congress of Vienna, led by Key figures such as Austrian Chancellor Klemens von Metternich, efforts were made to restore monarchies overthrown by Napoleon and prevent revolutionary uprisings. The Treaty of Vienna facilitated the reestablishment of conservative regimes that were often autocratic. Censorship was widespread to control expression and you stifle liberal ideas, reflecting a commitment to preserving order and authority over promoting freedom.
This period saw conservatives recognizing that modernization—such as creating efficient bureaucracies and modern militaries—could reinforce their powers. However, despite the oppressive measures adopted by conservative governments, the movement towards liberalism and nationalism continued to foster dissent, as individuals sought freedom of the press and political representation, ultimately laying the groundwork for future revolutionary efforts.