What was the primary purpose of the Congress of Vienna?

The primary purpose of the Congress of Vienna was to settle issues after the defeat of Napoleonic France. After years of upheaval and warfare during the Napoleonic Wars, which drastically altered the balance of power in Europe, the Congress convened in 1814-1815 to restore stability and order. The representatives from major powers, including Austria, Britain, Prussia, Russia, and France, sought to reestablish the pre-war territorial boundaries and ensure a balance of power to prevent the rise of another authoritarian figure similar to Napoleon.

One of the main goals was to create a new political landscape that would secure peace through diplomacy rather than war. This included redrawing national borders, reinstating old monarchies, and establishing a framework for future diplomatic relations. The decisions made at the Congress significantly shaped European politics for decades, reinforcing the principle of legitimate government and collective security.

The other options, while related to aspects of diplomacy and international relations, do not capture the core purpose of the Congress as effectively. Promoting colonization or establishing military alliances were not primary concerns of the Congress, especially given that the focus was on European stability rather than colonial expansion. Similarly, while trade agreements might follow from diplomatic relations, they were not a central aim during