The 1848 Revolutions in Germany

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses the revolutions of the German states in 1848 that sparked demands for a more liberal constitution and better rights for the poor. The paper reveals that the outcome was a more conservative and authoritarian governing style, indicating that the revolution failed. The paper discusses, however, that the revolution marked a change in Germany that ultimately led to a more liberal government, a working class movement and national unity. The paper therefore shows how although the short term successes of 1848 appear to be very limited, the revolution can be linked with many long-term constitutional and modernizing changes in Germany.

From the Paper:

"The revolutions of the German states in 1848 consisted of violent uprisings and leaders being usurped, and were part of a European wide movement seen during the year. The causes of the revolution were widespread, varying from heavy taxation, political censorship and failed harvest. The revolutionary demands included political sectors like freedom of the press and freedom of assembly. Moreover during the revolution there were calls for a centralised system of government that would bring greater unity to the German states. There were also demands that deviated away from liberalism, more basic sectors like demands for a minimum wage, use of common lands and a ten hour working day. It was this divide in the revolution that leads many historians to believe the revolution was a failure."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Miller and Pothoff, A History of German Social Democracy, (St Martins Press, 1983)
• Stearns, Peter, The Revolutions of 1848 (Weidenfield and Nicolson, 1974)
• Briggs and Clavin, Modern Europe: 1789 to Present 2nd Edition (Pearson Longman, 2003)
• Sperber, John, The European Revolutions 1848-1851 (Cambridge University Press, 1984)
• Koch, H.W., The History of Prussia, (Longman, 1978)

More papers on The 1848 Revolutions in Germany:

• Comparison Essay # 31452 : "The National State in Germany and Russia"
• Essay # 38208 : "The Rise of the Neo-Nazis in Germany"
• Essay # 19147 : "The Educational System in Germany"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: