“The Congress of Vienna had a limited impact on France.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

The question requires that the candidates offer a considered and balanced response to the statement. The Congress of Vienna reached various decisions regarding France. There should be discussion of both internal and international impact. It could be argued France lost standing internationally, she was confined to her 1790 borders and lost territory (Nice and Savoy). In support of the statement France remained a major power. Talleyrand had negotiated at Vienna on equal terms and by 1818, France became a full member of the Congress System at Aix-la-Chappelle. Internal impact is more complex, the first Bourbon Restoration had been the work of Talleyrand and was not universally popular (as evidenced by the Hundred Days), the Second Restoration was the result of allied victory at Waterloo and was confirmed by the Congress. There was an army of occupation until 1818 and a war indemnity levied. Therefore, it could be argued that the main impact was the determination of the Congress of Vienna to stop France reverting to a republic.