What does the term "old monarchy" refer to in the context of the Congress of Vienna?

The term "old monarchy" in the context of the Congress of Vienna refers to the political arrangements and ruling systems that existed in Europe prior to the upheaval caused by the French Revolution and the subsequent Napoleonic Wars. The Congress of Vienna, held in 1814-1815, was significant for its aim to restore the monarchies that had been displaced during the revolutionary period and the Napoleonic era. The leaders at the Congress sought to reinstate the traditional royal families and the established social and political order that characterized Europe before the radical changes initiated by revolution and war.

By focusing on restoring the "old monarchy," the Congress aimed to create a balance of power that would prevent future conflicts and revolutions, which highlights the desire to revert to the stability and governance systems that had been disrupted. This historical context underscores the importance of the old monarchical systems in European politics as foundational before the advent of modern democratic ideas or republican systems, which were notably absent from the objectives of the Congress.