Wolfram Siemann Book order

This major biography explores the life of Clemens von Metternich (1773-1859), a pivotal figure in 19th-century European politics. Serving in the highest civilian roles in the Austrian Empire from 1809 to 1848, he played a crucial role in shaping post-Napoleonic Europe and established the Metternich system of international congresses, which influenced global relations until 1918 and set the stage for organizations like the League of Nations and the United Nations. His profound impact on international affairs led to the era being referred to as the Age of Metternich. Often viewed as a staunch conservative and an opponent of liberalism and nationalism, he is seen by many as the antithesis of the revolutionary movements of 1848. However, Wolfram Siemann challenges this conventional perspective, arguing that Metternich admired Britain's liberal constitution and sought to accommodate liberalism and nationalism in pursuit of his primary goal: maintaining peace in Europe, driven by his aversion to the devastation of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Utilizing previously unopened archives from the Metternich family, Siemann also reveals Metternich's vibrant personal and social life, including his numerous mistresses, one of whom was Napoleon's sister, and his relationships with influential figures across Europe.