Signature of the Holy Alliance by Austria, Prussia and Russia

Background. In 1813, Francis turned against Napoleon and defeated him in the War of the Sixth Coalition, forcing the French emperor to abdicate. Frederick William III of Prussia reluctantly joined the Sixth Coalition in the German campaign of 1813, and Russia's decisive defeat of France at Leipzig that autumn proved a massive victory for the Coalition. After Napoleon's final defeat, the Holy Alliance linked the absolute monarchist great powers of Austria, Prussia, and Russia.

Participants. The alliance was created at the behest of Emperor Alexander I of Russia, who reigned from 1801 and became the first King of Congress Poland in 1815. Frederick William III had been King of Prussia since 1797. Francis, who had defeated Napoleon in 1813, served as the first president of the German Confederation following its establishment in 1815.

Signing. The Holy Alliance was signed in Paris on 26 September 1815. This event formalized the coalition linking Austria, Prussia, and Russia. The alliance was created at the behest of Emperor Alexander I following the final defeat of Napoleon, aiming to uphold the European status quo.