Palmerston and Metternich’s Austria, 1830—1841

This book aims to analyze the international policies of Viscount Palmerston and Prince Metternich during the years 1830–1841. The focus of this work is on the pivotal role of British diplomacy in Europe during a period marked by the outbreak of the July Revolution, the dissolution of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands, the November Uprising, significant events in the German Confederation and the Papal States, as well as the civil wars in Portugal and Spain, and the two Egyptian-Ottoman wars. The clash between Palmerston and Metternich stands out. Both men were at the forefront of European foreign relations and were symbols of two different political currents. This work aims to challenge the ‘traditional’ view of Palmerston as a progressive statesman who defended the freedom of European liberalism and Metternich as a reactionary who opposed social modernization. The text highlights the motives behind British foreign policy, which were centred on promoting national interests, often at the expense of cooperation among the Great Powers, in contrast to the Austrian Chancellor’s efforts to foster the best possible relations within the Concert of Europe.