What fundamental geopolitical principle guided the territorial settlement of the Congress of Vienna (1814-1815)?

💡 Explanation:

The primary geopolitical goal of the Congress of Vienna was to ensure long-term peace and stability in Europe following the Napoleonic Wars. This was to be achieved principally through the establishment of a 'Balance of Power,' which involved resizing and redistributing territories among the major powers (Austria, Prussia, Russia, and Britain) to ensure no single state could achieve hegemony. While the principle of 'Legitimacy' (restoring deposed monarchs) was also crucial, and 'Compensation' played a role, the overarching framework for the territorial redrawing was the strategic Balance of Power. National self-determination was actively ignored or suppressed by the conservative powers.