Metternich
Definition
Klemens von Metternich was an Austrian diplomat who was at the center of European affairs for four decades as the Austrian Empire's foreign minister from 1809 and Chancellor from 1821 until the liberal revolutions of 1848 forced his resignation.
Analogy
Think of Metternich as a chess player, always thinking several moves ahead and trying to maintain control over the board (Europe).
Related terms
Carlsbad Decrees: A set of reactionary restrictions introduced in the states of German Confederation by resolution in 1819 at the instigation of Metternich.
Holy Alliance: A coalition created by three Russian, Austrian, and Prussian rulers in 1815 that represented a security agreement against revolutionary movements and stood for Christian values in politics. Metternich played a key role here too.
Liberalism: A political philosophy or worldview founded on ideas of liberty and equality. Liberalism posed a significant challenge to conservative figures like Metternich during this period.
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