The Concert of Europe sought to restore the sovereignty of states. Which option best expresses this aim?

• A. Expand a European empire
• B. Restore sovereignty of states
• C. Create a united monarchy
• D. Promote democratic revolutions

Answer: (B)

Preserving the independence and legitimate authority of states after the Napoleonic era is the central idea. The Concert of Europe aimed to keep Europe’s balance of power by recognizing and upholding the existing states and their rulers, preventing any one power from dominating and curbing revolutionary changes that could redraw borders or undermine sovereign governments. This approach meant reestablishing monarchies and borders so each state could govern itself without outside interference, and coordinating diplomacy to maintain peace.

The other paths would disrupt this framework: expanding an empire would override separate sovereignties, creating a single united monarchy would erase the sovereignty of individual states, and promoting democratic revolutions would challenge established rulers and borders. Thus, restoring and safeguarding state sovereignty best captures the aim.