Prince Metternich's Birthday

Prince Metternich, architect of post Napoleonic Europe was born on May 15th, 1773. Leader of the Congress of Vienna, he was both adored and hated.

Metternich, who helped arrange the marriage of Napoleon to Austrian duchess Marie Louis, was the architect of the Congress of Vienna (1814-1815. He hoped to prevent any one nation from becoming too powerful and thereby avoid another Napoleon. Though the Congress did redraw the boundaries of European nations, the goal of preventing future revolutions was not met.

Metternich was ousted from power in the Revolution of 1848. He died 11 years later.