The Revolutions of 1848 Part II The Revolutions

The Revolutions of 1848 Part II

The Revolutions of 1848 • Despite changes after 1830, the conservative order still dominated much of Europe. – The growing forces of nationalism and liberalism erupted again in the revolution of 1848.

Another Revolution in France • In 1846, severe economic problems greatly hurt the lower class in France • At the same time, the middle class wanted the right to vote. • Louis-Philippe refused to make changes and opposition grew. – The monarchy was overthrown in 1848.

Another Revolution in France • Moderate and radical republicans set up a temporary representative government. – Officials would draw up a new constitution. • Elections would be by universal male suffrage

Another Revolution in France • The provisional government also set up national workshops to give the unemployed work. – When almost 120, 000 people signed up, the treasury was drained and the workshops were closed. • Workers revolted – Thousands were killed or sent to Algeria, France’s prison colony.

Another Revolution in France • The new constitution, ratified in November of 1848, set up the Second Republic, – with a single legislature elected by universal male suffrage. – A president served for four years. • Charles Louis Napoleon Bonaparte, Napoleon’s nephew, was elected president.

Trouble in the German States • Germany was divided into 38 independent states by the Congress of Vienna (German Confederation) – Events in France caused a demand for change in Germany

Trouble in the German States • An all-German parliament, the Frankish Assembly, met to fulfill the liberal and nationalist goal of creating a constitution for a unified Germany. – failed because the rulers had no way to force the rulers to accept the constitution

Revolutions in Central Europe • The Austrian Empire was a multinational state with a collection of peoples joined only by the Hapsburg ruler. • The Germans played a leading role in governing Austria, even though they were only one-fourth of the population

Revolts in the Italian States • The Congress of Vienna had set up nine states in Italy. • Revolt against Austria broke out all throughout Italy in 1848 • By 1849, however, Austria had established the old order throughout Italy.

Revolts in the Italian States • In Europe, popular revolts led to constitutional governments. – The revolutionaries could not stay united, however, and conservative rule was reestablished