What was the primary goal of the Congress of Vienna in 1815?

The primary goal of the Congress of Vienna in 1815 was to restore monarchies and balance power in Europe following the upheaval caused by the Napoleonic Wars. The Congress, composed of representatives from the major European powers—including Austria, Prussia, Russia, and Great Britain—sought to establish a new order that would prevent the rise of a single dominant power, like Napoleon had been.

By restoring the monarchies that had been overthrown during the revolutionary period and through Napoleon's conquests, the Congress aimed to stabilize Europe and create a balance among the Great Powers. This was part of a broader effort to ensure lasting peace and prevent future conflicts. The principles established at the Congress laid the groundwork for European diplomacy for much of the 19th century, particularly through the balance of power concept, which intended to maintain equilibrium among the nations to avoid a repeat of the events that led to the wars.

In contrast, promoting democratic reforms was not a focus of the Congress, nor did it aim to establish a single European currency or create alliances primarily against colonial powers. These areas did not align with the conservative objectives emphasized by the Congress, which favored restoring traditional authority rather than fostering revolutionary change.