In 1810 he was appointed Chancellor of Prussia and continued the domestic reforms inaugurated by Stein. These included the improvement of Prussia’s military system, the abolition of serfdom and of the privileges of the nobles, the encouragement of municipalities, the reform of education, and civic equality for Jews. In 1813 he persuaded Frederick William III to join the coalition against Napoleon. He represented Prussia at the Congress of Vienna where he achieved substantial gains for his country.