After 1815, a new form of conservatism emerged in response to the dramatic changes brought about by the French Revolution and the subsequent Napoleonic Wars. This new conservatism sought to restore stability and preserve traditional institutions and values in Europe.
The Congress of Vienna, held in 1814-1815, played a significant role in shaping this new conservative order. The Congress aimed to redraw the map of Europe and reestablish a balance of power among the major European powers. The conservative statesmen and diplomats at the Congress, such as Prince Metternich of Austria and Lord Castlereagh of Britain, were determined to prevent any further revolutionary uprisings and maintain the existing social and political order.
One of the central ideas of new conservatism was the belief in the legitimacy of established monarchies and aristocracies. Conservatives argued that these institutions provided stability and continuity, serving as a bulwark against the unpredictable forces of revolution. They emphasized the importance of hierarchical social structures and the preservation of traditional values and customs.
Religion also played a crucial role in new conservatism. Conservative thinkers argued for the importance of organized religion as a moral and social anchor. They believed that religious institutions helped maintain social order and provided individuals with a sense of purpose and meaning. Christianity, in particular, was seen as an essential component of European culture and identity.
New conservatives were generally skeptical of democracy and popular sovereignty. They believed that the masses were easily swayed by passions and lacked the ability to make wise political decisions. Instead, they advocated for limited constitutionalism, where power was concentrated in the hands of a ruling elite that had the knowledge and experience to govern effectively.
The new conservative order sought to suppress liberal and nationalist movements that challenged the existing order. Censorship, strict surveillance, and the suppression of political dissent were employed to maintain control. Metternich's vision of a "European Holy Alliance" among conservative monarchies aimed to suppress any form of political and social change that threatened the established order.
While new conservatism succeeded in restoring stability to Europe in the short term, it also generated discontent and resistance among those who sought greater political participation and social equality. Over time, the tensions between conservatism and liberalism, as well as nationalist aspirations, would lead to significant political and social upheavals in the 19th century, ultimately reshaping the European continent.