A Historic Account of the European Revolutions of 1848

Summary

The European Revolutions of 1848 were a series of revolutions and uprisings that took place across many countries in Europe. These revolutions were born out of a desire for political and social change, as well as the influence of the liberal and nationalist ideologies of the time. These revolutions posed significant challenges to the governments of the time and resulted in many violent confrontations. While the revolutionary fervor was eventually quelled, these events had lasting impacts on European society and laid the groundwork for future social and political changes.

Table of Contents

• Jelačić’s Attempt to Unite Serbs and Croats

• Windischgrätz’s Bombardment of Prague and Vienna’s Response

• Hungarian Revolution and its Defeat

• Radical Democrats and Republicans in Germany

• Italian States Seek Independence

• Conclusion

Q&A

Jelačić’s Attempt to Unite Serbs and Croats

Who was Jelačić and what did he attempt to do?
Jelačić was appointed Ban of Croatia and given command of the Military Frontier. He attempted to unite the Serbs and Croats while warning the Hungarian parliament that they were prepared to fight if they continued to oppress them.

Did Jelačić succeed in his attempt to unite Serbs and Croats?
Jelačić led 50,000 troops in support of the Serbs, but the hardliners in Vienna intervened and sent Field Marshal Windischgrätz to Prague where he was beaten by a Czech militia.

Windischgrätz’s Bombardment of Prague and Vienna’s Response

Why did Windischgrätz bomb Prague?
Windischgrätz was sent to Prague after Jelačić’s failed attempt to unite the Serbs and Croats. He bombarded the city from the surrounding hills until the insurgents surrendered.

How did Vienna respond to the events in Prague?
In Vienna, the government followed this victory by suppressing republican newspapers and arresting leading student journalists. The government attacked Budapest, and Lamberg was beaten to death.

What was the consequence of Vienna’s aggression towards Hungary?
On 3 October 1848, the government in Vienna felt bold enough to issue a decree abolishing the Hungarian Parliament and placing the country under martial law.

Hungarian Revolution and its Defeat

What was the Hungarian National Defence Committee?
Kossuth’s National Defence Committee was an organization dedicated to the defense of Hungary against Austrian aggression.

Did the Hungarian Revolution succeed?
Windischgrätz, the Austrian general, led 52,000 troops and defeated the Hungarian army, seizing Budapest on 15 January 1849. The Hungarian National Defence Committee relocated to Debrecen, where they conscripted soldiers and procured arms, with Kossuth being elected President. Eventually, the Hungarian army, under competent leadership, drove back the Austrian forces, and Kossuth declared complete independence on 14 April 1849. By 23 April 1849, the Hungarians had retaken Budapest, effectively giving the Austrians a humiliating defeat. However, Haynau, another Austrian general, launched a counter-offensive with overwhelming support from Russia, eliminating any international protection the Hungarians might have received. Eventually, the Hungarian government fell and Görgei surrendered on 13 August 1849, leading to brutal reprisals from the Austrian forces, and Kossuth fled to Constantinople.

Radical Democrats and Republicans in Germany

Why did Friedrich Wilhelm IV reject the constitution for a united German nation-state?
Friedrich Wilhelm IV rejected the constitution for a unified German nation-state, forcing moderate constitutionalists into the hands of radical democrats and republicans, who seized the initiative, but only in peripheral regions such as Saxony and the Rhineland.

What were the consequences of the uprising in Saxony and the Rhineland?
Radical democrats made their last stand in Saxony and the Rhineland, with anarchist Mikhail Bakunin even being involved in the barricade-building. In May 1849, a group of 5,000 Prussian and Saxon soldiers overcame the resistance of 3,000 revolutionaries defending barricades in Saxony. The majority of insurgents were prosecuted and sentenced to prison, with many receiving lengthy sentences.

Italian States Seek Independence

Who was Count Pellegrino Rossi, and what was his role in Italian affairs?
Count Pellegrino Rossi was appointed Minister of Justice by Pope Pius IX to further the cause of Italian unification, which was strongly supported by the liberal and nationalist movements of the time.

What was the outcome of the Italian revolution?
After Rossi was stabbed to death, a popular insurrection occurred in Livorno, and Tuscany was proclaimed an independent republic. Carlo Alberto’s army was defeated by Radetzky at Novara, and he abdicated in favor of his son. In the south, there was continuing social unrest in Naples and Sicily, even after the democratic revolt was crushed in Naples in May 1848.

Conclusion

The European Revolutions of 1848 were a reflection of the social, political, and economic changes of the time. These revolutions challenged the existing order and entrenched authoritarian regimes, proposing a new vision of society and government characterized by liberal and nationalist ideals. While these revolutions were ultimately unsuccessful in achieving their aims, their impact was felt throughout Europe and laid the groundwork for future movements for change. The revolutions of 1848 demonstrated that the people could mobilize for political and social change, and their legacy continues to inspire political action today.