Congress System

The Congress System was an early 19th-century international agreement among European powers—mainly Austria, Russia, Prussia, and Britain—to maintain the balance of power and prevent any single nation from dominating Europe after the Napoleonic Wars. They held regular congresses to discuss and manage political issues, resolve conflicts, and uphold stability. This system aimed to preserve peace through diplomacy and collective decision-making, rather than warfare. Over time, changing interests and rising nationalism reduced its effectiveness, leading to more ongoing conflicts. It marked an early attempt at multilateral diplomacy aimed at stability and order in Europe.