THE SPRINGTIME OF
In the German states, the idea of pan-Germanism led to the March Revolution, Märzrevolution. Whilst these revolts were poorly coordinated, they had in common a rejection of traditional, autocratic political structures in the 39 independent states of the German Confederation and demands for German national unity, freedom of the press and freedom of assembly. Local princes carried out swift reforms in the provinces and revolts in Berlin forced Kaiser Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia to accept the creation of a united Germany with a constitutional monarchy in Prussia. This in turn encouraged the middle-class civil servants, lawyers and intellectuals to liberal reform to join together and propose a new constitution at the Frankfurt Assembly. However, after the Kaiser was offered the crown and boundaries were drawn for a German state, he changed his mind and imposed his own new constitution in 1849. The March Revolution was ultimately defeated by the conservative aristocracy and Germany had to wait until 1871 for reunification.
NATIONS Amy King (OHS) Denmark’s end of absolute monarchy, the Netherlands’ introduction of representative democracy and the abolition of feudalism in Austria and Germany: it is remarkable to think that these events took place because of just one event, the Springtime of Nations. Between 1848 and early 1849, Europe faced its most widespread revolutionary wave to date, the Springtime of Nations. Often referred to as the Year of Revolution, more than fifty countries, including France, the German Confederations states and the Austrian Empire were among those most changed by these revolutions. What catalysed these revolutions to take place in such a short period of time? Many of the revolutions were centred on key aims such as eradicating old monarchical structures, forging independent nation-states as well as a general sense of dissatisfaction with poor governance and negligence of the European monarchs towards the people. New ideas such as nationalism, liberalism and socialism emerged in Europe at the end of the 18th and beginning of the 19th century. The revolutionary message behind what would become the notable slogan, “liberté, égalité, fraternité”, spread across Europe and helped to ignite a shared desire for reform of the middle and working classes.
Although on face-value the March Revolution was a largely unsuccessful event, it sparked considerable social and economic change under the surface. One such effect is the German national flag and more specifically the colours black-red-gold. Ferdinand Freiligrath, a German poet, highlighted the meaning behind the iconic colours on March 17, 1848, “Pulver ist schwarz/Blut ist rot/Golden flackert die Flamme!” [Powder is black, blood is red/Golden flickers the flame!].
Other economic and sanitary factors played a part in this pivotal revolution. The Irish potato famine of 1845 – 1849 led to food supply problems and high food prices across Europe. Moreover, unemployed workers (out of a job due to mechanisation) in both urban and rural areas were undernourished and susceptible to disease. These factors culminated in an overwhelming desire for widespread change across Europe. This change manifested itself in the February Revolution with Paris officials supressing on 22 February 1848 a Campagne des banquets, which was one of a series of political meetings that at the time were campaigning for suffrage. However, it was cancelled due to the government’s fear of an organised protest by the working and middle classes. This repression angered the factory labourers, skilled labourers and middle-class liberals who poured into the streets and were later joined by the National Guard and the army garrison stationed in Paris. A failed attempt by King Louis Philippe to bring about swift reform led to the end of the constitutional monarchy and the birth of the Second Republic on 24 February, which hoped to address the economic and social concerns of the working class. However, the revolutionary aims were weakened by the power struggle between the working class and bourgeoisie. The new government elected Louis Napoleon Bonaparte, nephew of Napoleon 1, as president. He would later go on to stage a coup d’état in 1852 and establish himself as a dictatorial emperor of the Second French Empire.
This European movement is today synonymous with widespread change and symbolises, as March does in springtime: a new dawn, a new era, a new beginning. Kreidelithographie Revolution – Berlin 1848 Danish soldiers parade through Copenhagen in 1849 after victories of the First Schleswig War. Baricade on the Rue Soufflot - An 1848 Painting by Horace Vernet. Bibliography : Rapport, M. (2009). 1848: Year of Revolution. Basic Books. Bache, O. (1849). Museum of Natural History. Sperber, J. (1994). The European Revolutions of 1848. Siemann, W. (1998). The German Revolution of 18481849. London. Litton, H. The Irish Famine: An Illustrated History. Wolfhound Press. Britannica (2014). Encyclopedia Britannica: The German Revolution of 1848 – 1849. 37
