Final answer:
Klemens von Metternich was the person most responsible for devising the settlement at the Congress of Vienna. He aimed to restore a traditional Europe and dominated the proceedings, advocating for the restoration of overthrown monarchs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The architect behind the settlement forged at the Congress of Vienna was Klemens von Metternich, a figure of paramount influence who held the leadership reins of Austria. Distinguished by his unwavering conservative stance, Metternich harbored a resolute vision of reinstating a traditional European order in the aftermath of Napoleon's downfall. In the intricate diplomatic proceedings of the Congress, Metternich emerged as a dominant force, steering the deliberations with a clear agenda.
His central tenet posited that the bedrock of enduring stability lay in the restoration of legitimacy to deposed monarchs and the fortification of conventional beliefs and institutions. Metternich, thus, championed the cause of reinstating rulers ousted by the Napoleonic upheavals, emphasizing the critical role of established traditions in safeguarding the social and political fabric of Europe. His influence permeated the discussions and decisions of the Congress, leaving an indelible mark on the settlement that sought to mold a post-Napoleonic Europe firmly rooted in the values of the past. Metternich's leadership at the Congress of Vienna stood as a testament to his commitment to a conservative vision aimed at preserving the time-honored foundations of European society.