The late 1840s saw widespread discontent in the German Confederation due to an economic depression and a major famine.
Urban unemployment and crop failures exacerbated the hardships, driving the lower classes towards rebellion.
The overthrow of King Louis-Philippe of France in February 1848 inspired similar uprisings in Germany.
The Revolutions of 1848
The resignation of Metternich in Austria was a significant trigger.
German princes sought peace with opposition to prevent republican and socialist changes.
Liberals appointed in state ministries, introduced civic reforms.
Aimed for political unification through a national assembly.
Frankfurt National Assembly convened on May 18, 1848.
Challenges and Conflicts
Differences between liberals and democrats regarding the new order.
Disputes over national unification:
Grossdeutsch Movement: Included Austria, led by Prussia.
Kleindeutsch Party: Excluded Austria, led by Prussia due to its strong position.
Conflict between lower classes needing protection and business interests seeking economic growth.
Decline in popular support for liberal efforts as they failed to address mass problems.
Conservative Resurgence
Conservatives regained power, starting in Austria with Felix zu Schwarzenberg replacing Metternich.
Prussian King Frederick William IV pursued a conservative course, dissolving the Berlin assembly and issuing his constitution.
By 1849, revolutionary efforts were largely crushed.
Aftermath and Legacy
Frankfurt parliament proposed a constitution with a federal union led by a hereditary emperor, rejected by King Frederick William IV of Prussia.
The revolution's failure led to renewed conservative dominance.
Punctation of Olmütz (1850): Restored the German Confederation, solidifying the old order.
Economic expansion in the 1850s shifted focus from political reform to industrial capitalism.
Industrial production and trade in the Zollverein doubled.
Speculative boom followed by a financial crash in 1857.
The transformation towards industrialization and urbanization became irreversible, setting the stage for future political realignment.
Key Figures
Frederick William IV: King of Prussia, conservative leader.
Metternich: Symbol of the old order, resigned in 1848.
Felix zu Schwarzenberg: Austrian prime minister post-Metternich.
Francis Joseph: Emperor of Austria, conservative reformer.
Conclusion
The revolutions of 1848-49 were a pivotal moment in German history, marking a transition from a preindustrial to an industrial society, despite the political failure of the revolutionary movements. The events laid the groundwork for future conflicts between liberalism and conservatism in Germany.