B1819

Tsar Alexander I of Russia’s greed for additional territory to expand his empire and power in 1815 nearly sent Europe into another bout of widespread war. After the Congress of Vienna, Alexander wanted to draw Poland under his power. Prussia was fine with this situation as long as they were able to gain Saxony. The foreign ministers Prince Klemens von Metternich and Robert Castlereagh were unwilling to allow this to occur, however, due to the fear that the balance of power would be disrupted. The two foreign ministers made an alliance with France, but before any damage was done the Russians and Prussians wisely lessened their desires by instead requesting only part of Poland and Saxony. Metternich and Castelreagh acquiesced to this request, and peace resumed for a time.
 * 18: Efforts to restrain conflict: treaties, balance-of-power diplomacy, and international organizations.**