Final answer:
The Congress of Vienna was a crucial diplomatic event from 1814 to 1815 aimed at re-establishing a balance of power in Europe after Napoleon's defeat, which created the Concert of Europe and restored conservative monarchies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Congress of Vienna was a significant diplomatic gathering that took place from November 1814 to June 1815, aiming to reshape Europe post-Napoleon and create a balance of power amongst the European states. This meeting was crucial in establishing the Concert of Europe, which was a system of dispute resolution meant to maintain the peace established by the Congress. Notably, the Congress was driven by the major powers at the time: Austria, Prussia, Russia, Great Britain, and eventually France itself.
Moreover, the settlements agreed upon at the Congress of Vienna were guided by the desire to return to pre-Napoleonic borders and social structures. Although it achieved peace and the restoration of conservative regimes, this stability was eventually challenged by emerging nationalistic and liberal forces. The decisions taken at the Congress had lasting implications, including the distribution of territories amongst the victors, and the restoration of monarchies, ultimately setting the stage for future political and social upheavals.