The Congress of Vienna was a major diplomatic meeting held from 1814 to 1815, aimed at restoring stability in Europe after the turmoil of the Napoleonic Wars. Representatives from various countries, including Austria, Prussia, Russia, and the United Kingdom, gathered to discuss territorial changes and establish a balance of power. Their goal was to prevent future conflicts and maintain peace across the continent. One of the key figures at the Congress was Klemens von Metternich, the Austrian foreign minister, who played a crucial role in shaping the agreements. The decisions made during the Congress laid the groundwork for European politics for decades, influencing borders and alliances that would impact future events, including the rise of nationalism.