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Explain the statement, “When France Sneezes, the Rest of Europe Catches a Cold”

By BYJU'S Exam Prep

Updated on: November 9th, 2023

When France sneezes, the rest of Europe catches a cold, is a statement from Metternich. He was an Austrian chancellor who believed that the political changes taking place in France were of interest to other European countries. Events such as the French Revolution and fraternal, egalitarian, and democratic beliefs influenced the rest of the European world. As a result, many European countries patiently followed France.

Meaning of When France sneezes, the rest of Europe catches a Cold

“When France sneezes, the rest of Europe catches a cold.” Metternich made this statement to describe the influence of France on other European countries. France was going through a lot of political changes. The first turmoil occurred in France in July 1830. At this time, the Bourbon Kings were overthrown, and power was transferred to the hands of liberal revolutionaries.

  • These liberal revolutionaries established a constitutional monarchy, and the head of this monarchy was Louis Philippe.
  • Influenced by the July Revolution, a spark arose in the rebellion in Brussels.
  • Brussels took it to Belgium and seceded from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands.
  • Many similar incidents have happened in other European countries.
  • Looking at France’s influence on these countries, “when France sneezes, the rest of Europe catches a cold.” was cited.

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