Document Analysis: Metternich Criticizes the Political Activity of the Middle 
Class

Time & Place: 1820’s Austria

Author: Prince Klemens Von Metternich

Audience: Alexander I of Russia

Prior Knowledge: The emperor of Austria asked Metternich to make a 
political “confession of faith” to be sent to Alexander I of Russia.    

Reason: To portray what he called the political evil of the middle-class 
liberals.  

Main Idea: Metternich pointed out the role of a free press in causing political 
unrest throughout society.  He himself did a lot of work towards the acceptance 
of the idea of extensive press censorship throughout eastern European countries.

Significance:  Metternich argued that liberals promoted the idea to undermine 
the natural loyalty of subjects to the monarchs.  His actions came from the 
intellectual pride or presumption of these liberals.  These liberals had 
adopted many ideas of the Enlightenment.

Quote:  “The Governments, having lost their balance, are frightened, 
intimidated, and thrown into confusion by the cries of the intermediary class 
of society, which placed between Kings and their subjects, breaks the sceptre 
of the monarch, and usurps the cry of the people…”





Document- The Quadruple Alliance

Author- None Specific

Time/Place- Vienna/1815


Prior Knowledge- At the congress of Vienna the powerful countries set standards 
to re institute the balance of power across Europe and down grade France’s 
territorial gains.

Main Idea- The prior treaties were to be upheld throughout France. Allied 
troops would stay in France to keep order, and if attacked more troops were 
supplied. Meetings would be held to ensure that peace was kept and the balance 
of power in Europe was not disturbed.

Importance- Ends Napoleon’s reign, keeps balance of power in Europe, prevents 
France from trying to overtake Europe again.

Quote- “stipulations of the  said treaty shall be strictly and faithfully 
executed in their fullest extent.”