The Congress of Vienna was a diplomatic conference held from 1814 to 1815, initiated to establish a new balance of power in Europe following the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte. The gathering took place in Vienna, Austria, and was attended by the great powers of Europe, including Austria, Britain, Prussia, Russia, and France. The primary architect of the congress was Klemens von Metternich, the Austrian Foreign Minister, who aimed to consolidate the gains made by the allies and restore the principles of monarchy and territorial integrity in Europe. The congress opened its deliberations with a focus on territorial adjustments, reparations for war damages, and the restoration of the monarchies that Napoleon had overthrown.

The congress was notable not only for its re-drawing of borders but also for its introduction of a sustained diplomatic methodology that emphasized negotiation and compromise. In this environment, representatives discussed various treaties, including the reconfiguration of Poland, the unification of the German states, and the rights of smaller nations to self-determination. Discussions were characterized by a great deal of political maneuvering and strategic alliances, often leading to a tentative peace that lasted until the emergence of nationalist movements later in the century.

Throughout the congress, the balance of power was established as a central doctrine in European politics, reflecting an understanding that cooperation among major powers was essential for maintaining stability. The Congress of Vienna concluded in 1815, culminating in a series of treaties known collectively as the Final Act, which solidified agreements made during the negotiations. Many of the arrangements made during the congress would influence European politics for many years, paving the way for a century of relative peace in Europe that would last until the outbreak of World War I.