Overview
This lecture covers the aftermath of Napoleon's exile, the Congress of Vienna, changes in European and British society, the rise of industrialization, and the Irish Potato Famine.
Napoleon’s Return and Final Exile
- Napoleon was exiled after abdicating but returned in 1815 for the "Hundred Days."
- He regained popular support, assembled an army, and was defeated by Wellington at Waterloo.
- The British exiled Napoleon to an island off Africa, where he died—likely of arsenic poisoning.
- Queen Elizabeth’s guards wear bearskin hats as a tradition stemming from their defeat of Napoleon’s guards.
Congress of Vienna (1814–1815)
- The Congress of Vienna aimed to restore peace and stability after Napoleon.
- Key leaders included Prince Metternich and French diplomat Talleyrand.
- France was included in negotiations, which led to a century of European peace.
- The Congress attempted to restore monarchies and roll back revolutionary changes.
- The Holy Roman Empire was abolished, replaced by the German Confederation (39 states).
- Judaism was recognized, and an official condemnation of slavery issued.
- Belgium was created as an independent kingdom; Poland vanished from the map.
Notable Figures: Talleyrand and British Monarchs
- Talleyrand was a skilled, unprincipled negotiator who served many French regimes.
- King George III of Britain suffered from mental illness; his son George IV became Prince Regent and later king.
- Both George IV and William IV were ineffective rulers, leading to increased parliamentary power.
- Victoria ascended the throne in 1837 and became a central cultural figure, symbolizing the Victorian era.
British Industrialization and Social Change
- Britain’s early industrialization allowed it to maintain military and economic strength.
- Industrialization caused pollution and social upheaval, leading to events like the Peterloo Massacre.
- The Lowell System in the US employed farm girls, providing them temporary work and dowries, but also led to early unionization.
The Spread of Railroads
- George Stephenson's Rocket won the Rainhill Trials in 1829, leading to the first railway between Manchester and Liverpool.
- The US quickly adopted railroads, demonstrating rapid technological diffusion.
- The standard railroad gauge was based on the width of a Roman chariot.
Irish Immigration and the Potato Famine
- English policies pushed Irish immigration to North America, with many entering the US via Canada.
- The Irish Potato Famine (1845–1849) was caused by a blight, leading to mass starvation and emigration.
- British aid was mismanaged due to confusion over terminology (“corn” meaning “grain” in Britain).
Key Terms & Definitions
- Hundred Days — The period in 1815 when Napoleon returned from exile and briefly ruled France.
- Congress of Vienna — A 1814–1815 meeting of European powers to restore order after Napoleon.
- German Confederation — A loose association of 39 German states replacing the Holy Roman Empire.
- Peterloo Massacre — 1819 killing of protesters by cavalry in Manchester, UK.
- Lowell System — US industrial labor system employing young women with fixed contracts.
- Potato Famine — Catastrophic Irish famine caused by potato blight (1845–1849).
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review changes made at the Congress of Vienna and their long-term impact.
- Prepare to discuss the effects of industrialization on British and American society.
- Read more about the Irish Potato Famine and British-Irish relations.