Heilige Allianz#
Holy Alliance, Tsar Alexander I inspired this memorandum of understanding between the monarchs of Austria, Russia and Prussia of September 26, 1815; subsequently signed by all Christian powers in Europe except Great Britain and the Pope. Its purpose was to increase the influence of Christian principles in the political affairs of the system of powers that had been restored by the German Wars of Liberation. The Holy Alliance was not intended to secure collective peace but became Metternich's instrument for defending his European order of 1815 and as such was a typical feature of the Restoration period. The conflict of interest of the major powers, particularly the Greek fight for freedom 1822-1830, put an end to the Holy Alliance.
Literature#
W. Naef, Zur Geschichte der Heiligen Allianz, 1928; M. Bourquin, Histoire de la Sainte-Alliance, 1954.