Essay

Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand & Klemens von Metternich

The congress of Vienna on September 19, 1814 to June 6, 1815 was an assembly agreed upon in the peace of Paris. All of the representatives of the most important Europe countries attended this congress. The goal of this assembly was to reorganize the lines of the map of Europe after the Napoleonic wars. The countries that attended this congress were: Russia, Prussia, England, Austria and France.

Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand (Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord) was the prince of Benevenr was born in February 2, 1754 on Paris, France; and died in May 17, 1838 on Paris too. According to Encyclopedia Britannica “He was a French statesman and diplomat noted for his capacity for political survival, who held high office during the French Revolution, under Napoleon, at the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy, and under King Louis-Philippe” (Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand, 2014)

Klemens von Metternich (Klemens Wenzel Nepomuk Lothar, Fürst Von Metternich-Winneburg-Beilstein) was born in May 15, 1773 on Koblenz. He dies don June 11, 1859 on Vienna. Klemens, prince von Metternich, was an Austrian statesman, minister of foreign affairs and champion of conservatism, who helped from the victorious Alliance against napoleon I and restores Austria as a leading European power, hosting the congress of Vienna (Klemens, 2014).

These two important ministers were representing their country during the congress of Vienna. Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand was representing France; similarly, Klemens von Metternich was representing Austria. They both were foreign ministers. A foreign minister is a minister of the cabinet who helps form the foreign policy of a sovereign state. The foreign minister is often regarded as the most senior ministerial position below that of the prime minister or president.

Austria, since the beginning was part of the group formed by the four major powers of Europe (Austria, Russia, Prussia and great Britain) all of the decisions were took by these four powers. “This group of major powers decided that France, Spain, and the smaller powers wouldn’t have power in important decisions. Charles Maurice de Talleyrand, was successful in allowing France to have an equal voice in the negotiations” (D. E. Snyder, 2010). After this Talleyrand became the deciding vote in many of the decisions because he was the 5^th country, the 5^th vote.

These tow persons have lots of similarities. They both participate on the congress of Vienna, they have the same stand and they both represent their native country. The difference between these ministers is that the country of Metternich, Austria, was part of the group of powers since the beginning; On the other hand, France practically invited him by himself. Even though France entered to the congress of Vienna at last moment, it had a lot of power and voice.

References

Klemens, prince von Metternich. (2014). In Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved from http://0-www.britannica.com.millenium.itesm.mx/EBchecked/topic/378934/Klemens-Furst-von-Metternich

Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand, prince de Bénévent. (2014). In Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved from http://0-www.britannica.com.millenium.itesm.mx/EBchecked/topic/581601/Charles-Maurice-de-Talleyrand-prince-de-Benevent

D. E. Snyder.(2010). Personalities of the Congress of Vienna: copyright. Retrieved from:

http://teacherweb.ftl.pinecrest.edu/snyderd/mwh/projects/cov/index/index2.html