Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

The territorial arrangements at the Congress of Vienna (1815) were designed to prevent future French expansion. Buffer states were created around France: the Kingdom of the Netherlands (including Belgium) was set up to the north, Genoa was added to Piedmont in the south, Prussia received territories on its western frontiers, and Austria gained control of northern Italy.

The broader goal was to restore the conservative order — reinstating monarchies overthrown by Napoleon and preserving traditional institutions like the Church, monarchy, and social hierarchy. The powers sought stability through modernised but autocratic states, not a return to pre-revolutionary society.

Source: Chapter 1, Section 2.3 — A New Conservatism after 1815

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• The examiner expects two clear points: (1) the specific strategic purpose — containment of France via buffer states, and (2) the broader conservative goal — restoring legitimate monarchies and the old order.
• Always name at least 2–3 specific territorial changes (Netherlands, Genoa/Piedmont, Prussia's western territories, Austria in northern Italy) to earn full marks.
• The phrase "conservative order" is key terminology from the chapter — use it.
• Avoid padding; 3 marks = ~3 distinct factual/analytical points in concise form.