Revolutions of 1848: Directions: Read Each Excerpt and complete the chart below.
Excerpt A: Poland
In 1846, Poland planned to rebel against Austria but the plans were revealed. As a result of revealing the conspiracy,
the uprising did not come into full effect. On February 18-19 Austrian troops invaded Poland to prevent an outbreak
of the uprising. Fights broke-out across Poland against Austria. On February 22, harassed by the attacks of the Poles
and fearful of being besieged, the Austrians left Cracow (a major city in Poland) for a neighboring city. Power in
Cracow was taken over by the Poles and by the National Government of the new Polish Republic. The new
government called all Poles to rise against the powers and promising, among others, voting rights for the peasants
and rewards in land for the poor landless peasants. Following a series of defeats in late Feb 1846, Poland rebels
surrender. The inability to spread the revolution fast enough to gain supporters and after a series of military losses,
Poland is taken over by Austria. In 1847 at Berlin 254 Polish rebels were tried; eight of them were sentenced to death
and ninety-seven to prison.
Excerpt B: Hungaruian Revolution of 1848
In Hungary, where there was no tradition of stopping riots after they started, the revolutionary crowd exploded with unusual
force against the occupying Austrians. A small group of liberals rallied the people of Hungary by singing the National Song,
with its call: "Hungarians on your feet!” The people chanted the refrain; "We swear we won't be slaves any longer." The
people gave the government a letter of Twelve Demands. When the government refused their demands, the people began a
series of Anti-Jewish rioting, which heighten of ethnic/national tensions. Jews were killed and their businesses destroyed.
The heroes of the revolution appeared to have lost control of the new revolution. More revolutions spread across Hungary
against the Austrians. Recognizing the danger, Austria gave in to the demands and granted Hungary freedom. However,
foreign armies (most likely Austria-supported) showed up the people of Hungary began to turn against each other to root out
“foreign” supporters. The mass killings weakened the new Hungarian Nation. Austria was able to raise the troops needed to
re-conquer Hungary, thus defeating the revolution.
Except C: Prague Uprising
The June uprising against the Austrians occured in Prague. It’s defeat stopped (for a time) Czech nationalism. Prague,
home to many ethnic Czechs, was controlled by Austria. In June the Czech people revolted against the Austrians
because of high unemployment and a desire for a free Czech country. The Austrians recognizing the danger of the
revolutions brought cannons to fire on the city. Conflict soon erupted between the Austrians and the Czechs. Over
400 barricades were put up and 10,000 Austrian waged battle against the Czech barricades. In the end, the Czech
rebellion was crushed because it lacked organization and support.
Excerpt D: Russia and the Revolutions of 1848
The year 1848 did not bring revolution to Russia. However, it was a year in which Russia was to suffer
from a bad harvest, a major cholera (disease) epidemic and an increase in the number of fires in
provincial towns, which were caused by the unusually dry weather. The cumulative effect of these
three disasters on Russia's economy was serious, since the majority of the population was engaged in
agriculture. Recognizing that his people might be willing to listen to the European revolutionaries, Czar
Nicholas I established a secret committee. This committee would censor dangerous ideas and forbid the
teaching of certain dangerous subjects such as philosophy in schools.
Excerpt E: Paris Uprising 1848
In 1848, France was going through a recession and many individuals were calling for France to be a
republic without a King. Few could vote and Louis Philippe staunchly opposed enlarging the voting
base. Popular discontent finally resulted in the February Revolution of 1848. The working classes
again put barricades up in the streets, and an unruly Paris mob frightened Louis Philippe into
leaving. After June 1848, the French began to draw up a new constitution. The constitution
included provisions for a strong president, who would be elected via universal male suffrage (all
adult males would vote). The French people elected Louis Napoleon Bonaparte (Napoleon’s
Nephew). He promised he would be liberal and provide more freedom though he was more
interested in being conservative. After becoming confident in his actions declared himself Emperor
Napoleon III. The revolution in France ended with a new government, but once again a new
dictator.
The February Revolution of 1848 reverberated throughout Europe, resulting in a series of
revolutions, most powerfully in Germany and Vienna.
Excerpt F: Great Britain in 1848
To prevent revolution from occurring at home Great Britain instituted a series of reforms. Various reform bills were
debated and passed in British Parliament. These laws gave more power to the growing cities in Britain and expanded
voting rights for males. Free-trade was advocated and laws that put taxes on imported goods (particularly Corn) were
removed. This helped lower the cost of food for British workers. In 1833, slavery everywhere in Britain, including
its colonies, was outlawed. The death penalty was restricted only to a few major crimes. Laws to improve prison
conditions were also passed. Hanging as an execution method was also banned. Labor conditions also improved. A
10-hour workday was passed as were laws aimed at regulating and promoting safety in mines. Other laws set
minimum wages. The ability of workers to unite and form labor unions was also approved. These laws had the
effect of stopping the revolutions of 1848 from spreading into the country.
Chart to complete:
How Start?
What Happened?
Why Unsuccessful?
Poland
Hungary
Prague, Czech
Russia
Paris, France
Great Britain
Questions:
1. If you were the leader of one of the countries going through a revolution would you give into the demands and
desires of the people even if meant you would lose your power, job, authority, and money or would you crush the
revolution to retain your authority, power, money, and job?
2. Why were Great Britain and Russia able to prevent a revolution in 1848?
3. Why do you think most of the revolutions were unsuccessful?
4. What do you think is the major outcome of the revolutions?