It was while the allies were in Paris settling the terms of the second peace, that what is called the “Holy Alliance” was formed between Alexander, Frederick William, and Francis (to whom were afterward added the kings of France, Naples, and Spain), which had for its object the suppression of liberal ideas throughout the Continent, in the name of religion.  Some of these monarchs were religious men in their way,—­especially the Czar, who had been much interested in the spread of Christianity, and the king of Prussia; but even these men thought more of putting down revolutionary ideas than they did of the triumphs of religion.

We must, however, turn our attention to Metternich as the administrator of a large empire, rather than as a diplomatist, although for thirty years after this his hand was felt, if not seen, in all the political affairs of Europe.  He was now forty-four years of age, in the prime of his strength and the fulness of his fame,—­a prince of the empire, chancellor and prime minister to the Emperor Francis.  On his shoulders were imposed the burdens of the State.  He ruled with delegated powers indeed, but absolutely.  The master whom he served was weak, but was completely in accord with Metternich on all political questions.  He of course submitted all important documents to the emperor, and requested instructions; but all this was a matter of form.  He was allowed to do as he pleased.  He was always exceedingly deferential, and never made himself disagreeable to his sovereign, who could not do without him.  From first to last they were on the most friendly terms with each other, and there was no jealousy of his power on the part of the emperor.  The chancellor was a gentleman, and had extraordinary tact.  But his labors were prodigious, and gave him no time for pleasure, or even social intercourse, which finally became irksome to him.  He was too busy with public affairs to be a great scholar, and was not called upon to make speeches, as there was no deliberative assembly to address.  Nor was he a national idol.  He lived retired in his office, among ministers and secretaries, and appeared in public as little as possible.

After the final dethronement of Napoleon, the policy of Metternich with reference to foreign powers was pacific.  He had seen enough of war, and it had no charm for him.  War had brought Germany to the verge of political ruin.  All his efforts as chancellor were directed to the preservation of peace and the balance of power among all nations.  At the close of the great European struggle the finances of all the German States were alike disordered, and their industries paralyzed.  Compared with France and England Germany was poor, and wages for all kinds of labor were small.  It became Metternich’s aim to develop the material resources of the empire, which could be best done in time of peace.  Austria, accordingly, took part in no international contest for fifty years, except to preserve her own territories.