The First Treaty of Paris was signed on May 30, 1814, as a result of the Congress of Vienna held to address the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars. Following Napoleon Bonaparte's abdication in April 1814, the major European powers—including Austria, Prussia, Russia, and the United Kingdom—came together to negotiate the future of France and its territories. The treaty focused on restoring balance in Europe and preventing future conflicts. It formally recognized the Bourbon monarchy, led by King Louis XVIII, which aimed to restore stability and peace after years of turmoil. In addition to returning France to its 1792 borders, the treaty also sought to diminish France's military power, placing limits on the size of its army and fortifications. This agreement marked the first step towards the re-establishment of a conservative order in Europe, replacing the revolutionary ideals that had dominated the continent in the previous two decades.

The treaty was significant not only for France but for the entire European geopolitical landscape, leading to the establishment of the Concert of Europe, a system aimed at maintaining the status quo through cooperation between the great powers. The Treaty of Paris set a precedent for international diplomacy and the practice of treating with defeated nations, emphasizing reparations and restoration rather than punishment. It also laid the groundwork for future treaties and congresses that sought to create stability following the upheavals of the French Revolution and the wars of Napoleon. The restoration of the Bourbon monarchy was met with mixed reactions, as it involved a delicate balancing act between the monarchy's legitimacy and the revolutionary changes that had occurred in France.