The Congress of Vienna, which began in 1814 and concluded in June 1815, was a diplomatic conference held to negotiate the terms of Europe’s reconstruction after the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte. The assembly was composed of representatives from the major powers: Austria, Russia, Prussia, and Britain, alongside various smaller states. Their discussions aimed not only to redefine borders but also to establish a balance of power that would prevent the rise of another dominant figure like Napoleon. The negotiation process involved intense diplomatic engagements, with Foreign Minister Klemens von Metternich of Austria leading efforts to stabilize Europe. Through a series of agreements, the congress established new territories, restoring monarchies, and implementing the principle of legitimacy, which favored the restoration of hereditary rulers. The meetings took place primarily in Vienna, where leaders exchanged ideas and proposals. The Final Act of the Congress, which was ratified in June 1815, formalized decisions regarding territorial changes, notably the creation of the German Confederation and redrawing of the map of Italy. The congress also instigated the ‘Concert of Europe’, a system of shared management among the Great Powers to maintain peace and resolve conflicts through diplomacy rather than war. The period that followed was characterized by relative peace in Europe, often referred to as the 'Hundred Days' of Napoleon's return, which was curtailed post-congress by swift military action and the introduction of conservative governance throughout many states. The Congress of Vienna’s outcome reflected a consensus among the great powers, although not without criticism from emerging nationalist and liberal movements. The decisions made set the stage for a new European order, impacting not only borders but also political ideologies for decades to come. It represented a pivotal moment in European history, acknowledging that a balance of power was essential for long-term stability.