Prince Klemens Von Metternich

Prince Klemens von Metternich led the Austrian delegation at the Congress of Vienna that divided post-Napoleonic Europe amongst the major powers. Also known as the ‘Metternich system’, Metternich consolidated a system of international congresses in order to secure the safety of Europe. At these congresses, Austria aligned herself with Russia and, to a lesser extent, Prussia. Both for Metternich and Austria, this series of congresses marked the high point of international diplomatic importance. Meanwhile, in the domestic realm of Austria, Metternich held the post of foreign minister until 1848, when he was forced to resign because of the liberal revolutions. This resignation also meant the end of his role as Chancelor of State under both Francis II and Ferdinand I, the Austrian Emperors.