Metternich, Klemens Wenzel Nepomuk Lothar, Prince von Metternich (1773-1859)

In the face of revolutionary movements throughout Europe in 1848, Metternich, Austrian minister of foreign affairs, was forced to retire, as shown in this cartoon. Metternich had tried to protect the Austrian empire, and to support conservative governments in Europe, in the face of popular unrest from liberals and democrats.

Austrian politician, the leading figure in European diplomacy after the fall of Napoleon. As foreign minister 1809-48 (as well as chancellor from 1821), he tried to maintain the balance of power in Europe, supporting monarchy and repressing liberalism.

At the Congress of Vienna 1815, Metternich advocated cooperation by the great powers to suppress democratic movements. The revolution of 1848 forced him to flee to the UK; he returned 1851 as a power behind the scenes.