The Four Kings' Alliance and Its Perception by Russian Diplomats in the Context of the Settlement of the German Crisis, 1849–1850

Russia's role in resolving the Austro-Prussian conflict of 1849–1850 exemplifies successful diplomatic mediation that contributed to stabilising an international crisis. A crucial element of Russian diplomacy's success was its attention not only to the two dominant German powers but also to the medium-sized kingdoms – chiefly the four kingdoms led by Bavaria – that developed their own programme to address the German question. Using archival documents from Russia and Germany, this article examines Russian diplomats' perceptions of the preparation, proceedings, and outcomes of the conference of representatives of the four kingdoms in Munich in February 1850. This conference resulted in the creation of the Four Kings' Alliance and a new draft German constitution. The evaluation of this project, which diverged from both Prussian and Austrian plans, presented a challenge for Russian diplomats. While recognising the importance of the Munich proposals for resolving the German question, they also acknowledged that the project's contradictory elements could complicate efforts to reconcile Vienna and Berlin. The article analyses the discussions between Russian diplomats in the German kingdoms and the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in late 1849 and early 1850 concerning the significance and prospects of the Munich project. The key conclusion is that Russia initially endorsed the four kingdoms' initiative, and Russian diplomats generally maintained a favourable attitude towards it as an alternative to the Prussian plan, one that helped restore the principles of the Concert of Europe, consolidate the German princes, and promote their cooperation in re-establishing the central organs of the German Confederation at Frankfurt am Main.