What was the significance of the Congress of Vienna in 1815?

The significance of the Congress of Vienna in 1815 lies in its role in restoring political stability across Europe following the tumultuous period of the Napoleonic Wars. After Napoleon's defeat, European powers gathered to negotiate and create a balance of power that would prevent any one nation from dominating Europe again, as France had under Napoleon.

The Congress aimed to establish a diplomatic framework that would facilitate cooperation and dialogue among the major powers and, ideally, maintain peace on the continent. This led to the reorganization of territories and the establishment of new political arrangements, such as the strengthening of buffer states around France. The outcomes of the Congress had long-lasting effects on European politics, leading to nearly a century of relative peace in Europe, known as the Concert of Europe.

This focus on political stability and diplomatic negotiations distinguishes the Congress of Vienna from other options, which pertain to developments not directly related to its primary objectives.