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 order and establish a balance of power in Europe following the tumultuous period of the Napoleonic Wars. The key figures at the Congress aimed to create a stable political environment by redrawing the map of Europe and ensuring that no single nation could dominate the continent as France had under Napoleon. This involved restoring monarchies and traditional forms of government that had been disrupted during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic eras.

This desire for balance was rooted in the belief that mutual respect among European powers would prevent future conflicts and promote peace, thereby avoiding the chaos that arose from revolutionary movements and authoritarian rule. The Congress not only aimed to contain France's power but also sought to strengthen other nations to maintain equilibrium, ultimately leading to a period known as the Concert of Europe, which sought cooperative diplomacy and collective security.

In contrast, promoting democracy across Europe would not have aligned with the aims of the Congress, as the prevailing thought was to restore conservative monarchies rather than liberal democratic governments. Ensuring Austria's dominance was a factor, but it was not the sole or primary goal; instead, it was part of a broader strategy to ensure stability. Expanding the territory of France directly contradicts