The Revolutions of 1848

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The revolution of 1848 encompassed many of the European countries. The revolutions sweeping across Europe included Germany, Italy, and France, excluding Russia and England. Many historians refer to the year of 1848 as, “The Year of Revolutions”, because of how the revolts spread throughout Europe. The question is which political groups were the influence behind this revolution and what were the causes of the revolution. The revolution united many diverse groups of people; they were able to put aside their differences to move toward the greater good of the society as a whole. Perhaps, the revolution was about basic human survival, by means of having adequate food, shelter and the basic supplies to live; and political upheaval to make changes in the government.(“Revolutions of 1848”)

The 1848 revolution in Germany was fueled by the ideas of liberalism. Theses ideas were a direct derivative from the ideas of the Enlightenment, such as the rights and the security of the constitutional rights the people were entitled to. Germany at this time was a socialist country. The working class sought to gain more power, thus strengthening the class as a whole and to have more governmental influence on decisions made. (“The Revolution of 1848”). The aristocracy had much apprehension regarding this issue, in the sense of job security. Nationalism played an important part in the revolution, through the idea of unity. A new conservative movement of liberals and nationalist grew strong momentum but quickly faded. The working class played a key part in the revolution, because this class made up the majority of the population. This class would be the deciding factor in the outcome of a revolution depending on their willingness in participation. In ...

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... for change for the betterment of the country. The division of classes fighting for governmental influence was not always just for self-preservation. In the case of the bourgeoisie and the aristocracy, they just wanted to prevail and maintain power. While the working class suffered, as the richer more powerful bourgeoisie and aristocracy were fearful that the working class would overtake them because there really is power in numbers.(“The revolution of 1848”)

Works Cited

“Revolutions of 1848”. 19 February 2011. .

“The Revolution of 1848”. 19 February 2010. .

“The revolutions of 1848: in Germany, Italy, and France”. 21 February 2011. .

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