Historical Figure
Klemens von Metternich
1773–1859
Austrian diplomat, foreign minister and Chancellor (1773–1859)
Talk to Klemens von Metternich
Have a conversation with this historical figure through AI
Biography
Klemens Wenzel Nepomuk Lothar, Prince of Metternich-Winneburg zu Beilstein, known as Klemens von Metternich or Prince Metternich, was a German statesman and diplomat in the service of the Austrian Empire. A conservative, Metternich was at the center of the European balance of power known as the Concert of Europe for three decades as Austrian foreign minister from 1809 and chancellor from 1821 until the liberal Revolutions of 1848 forced his resignation.
In Their Own Words (4)
Italy is only a geographical expression.
Astarita, Tommaso (2000). Between Salt Water And Holy Water: A History Of Southern Italy. p. 264. , 2000
There is a wide sweep about my mind. I am always above and beyond the preoccupation of most public men; I cover a ground much vaster than they can see. I cannot keep myself from saying about twenty times a day: 'How right I am, and how wrong they are.'
Landes, David, The Unbound Prometheus: Technological Change and Industrial Development in Western Europe from 1750 to the Present. Cambridge, 1969 (p. 353). , 1750
But what did he mean by that?
Metternich remarking upon hearing the news of Castlereagh's death by suicide. , 2009
Strength in Right
His motto
Timeline
The story of Klemens von Metternich, told in moments.
Became Austrian Foreign Minister at 36. Spent the next decade maneuvering against Napoleon through diplomacy, marriage alliances, and carefully timed betrayals.
Hosted the Congress of Vienna after Napoleon's defeat. Redrew the map of Europe. Built a system of conservative alliances designed to suppress revolution. It held for 33 years.
Forced to resign when revolution swept through Vienna. Fled to London disguised as a commoner. The system he built collapsed in weeks.
Artifacts (2)
More from the Early Modern
Explore what happened on the days that shaped Klemens von Metternich's life. Today In History connects historical figures with the events, births, and deaths that defined their era. Browse all historical figures or explore today's events.