common soldier

I am curious to understand why the Duke of Wellington replaced Viscount Castlereagh at the Congress of Vienna? I have been unable to locate a definitive answer using my own library and the internet. Also, would you consider his being replaced as his greatest failure?

Nemowork

Perhaps because we thought we would have more diplomatic leverage replacing a court diplomat with a man who had been kicking military butt on an undefeated winning streak, making international treaties, leading the front pages of most european papers for several years and was generally one of the superstars of his day.

It has an effect.

common soldier

You bring up an excellent point however correct me if I am wrong, but didn't The Duke prove to be a poor politician in comparison to his abilities on the battlefield?

funakison

oh yes the cult of the celebrity is nothing new. Great General, poor diplomat and lousy politician, People should stick to what they are good at.

common soldier

Again, excellent point of view however your thoughts underscore my desire to learn WHY the Viscount had been replaced by the Duke.

Pacific_Victory

The same reason that General Petraeus took over as head of the CIA despite never having served in that organization.

The same reason Eisenhower was elected president.

Many people think that competent generals will be competent politicians/diplomats/ etc.

Not usually the case. But it still happens.

Paragonrex

Perhaps he was no match for the cunning plots and Machiavellian machinations of one Prince Metternich?

Just a thought, i have no hard evidence to support it. Or perhaps he lost the home governments confidence since he was being faced by some of the Continents most formidable figures, including the aforementioned Metternich and the Czar Alexander