How long did the political order created at the Congress of Vienna last?

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Klemens von Metternich Klemens von Metternich, black and white chalk drawing by Anton Graff, c. 1803–05; in the Dresden State Art Collections, Dresden, Germany.

The political boundaries established by the Congress of Vienna remained largely intact for more than 40 years.1

While the statesmen at the congress successfully implemented a balance of power that secured a period of peace for Europe, they failed to create a mechanism to adapt their work to the emerging forces of the 19th century, such as the rise of nationalism. The order was eventually challenged and made obsolete by the revolutions of 1830 and 1848, as well as the subsequent unifications of Italy and Germany. Ultimately, the system was considered doomed to destruction, and it was not until the Treaty of Versailles following World War I that an even greater settlement took place.12