Under Napoleon, French armies spread the ideas of the French Revolution across Europe

The French overthrew European monarchs and set up their own governments

They also reduced the power of the Church and ended serfdom

Many Europeans welcomed the ideas of the French Revolution

However, they did not welcome the French rulers

Nationalism caused conquered people to reject French control

From Italy to Spain to the Netherlands, people rebelled against the French

The end of the empire began in 1812 when Napoleon invaded Russia

The invasion was a disaster

Many French soldiers died during the long Russian winter

The following year, an alliance of Russia, Britain, Austria, and Prussia defeated Napoleon at the town of Leipzig and forced him to live on an island in the Mediterranean

After the defeat of Napoleon, European leaders met at the Congress of Vienna

They hoped to create peace after 25 years of war

One of their goals was to return Europe to the way it was in 1792, before Napoleon

To accomplish this goal they gave power back to the monarchs of Europe

The leaders of Europe also took steps to create a balance of power

To prevent France from going to war again, they strengthened the countries around itTo protect the new order, European states formed a peacekeeping organizationThe peace lasted 100 years

Goal Action

To prevent France from going to war again

Strengthen countries around France

To return Europe to the way it was in 1792, before Napoleon

Give power back to the monarchs of Europe

To protect the new system and maintain peace

Create the Concert of Europe, an organization to maintain peace in Europe

The Congress of Vienna