The 1848 revolutions inspired a nationalist movement in Prussia as well as the German States. In May 1848, German nationalists gathered at the Frankfurt Assembly to discuss the possible unification of Germany. Various topics were argues during the assembly, including the issue involving future rulers of unified Germany. In 1849, Germany was offered to Frederick William by the Frankfurt Assembly. Though he yearned for the opportunity to rule Germany, William knew that war with Austria would result and he'd become a constitutional monarch had he accept the proposal. He turned down the offer for these reasons, resulting in the Frankfurt Assembly to accomplish nothing though their deliberations. By fall 1850, attempts to unify Germany are abandoned and the country remains fragmented afterward.
In Italy, the Napoleonic Era awakened values of liberalism and nationalism. Many Italians had longed for a unified Italy under the republican constitution for quite some time. In 1848, Charles Albert of Piedmont assumes the nationalist position and declares war on Austria; Italians are called upon to assist him as volunteers begin heading north to join the Piedmontese. Albert attempts to drive the Austrians out of northern Italy, though was defeated at the Battle of Custoza in 1848 and again at the Battle of Novara in 1849. He then retreats and abdicates, giving the opportunity for Victor Emmanuel II to take his place as king of Piedmont. Revolutions throughout northern Italy were suppressed by Austrian forces and all attempts to unify Italy were put off until 1859.
Revolutions in the Habsburg Empire began in March 1848 with a revolt which drives Metternich from office and the country. During this time, revolutionary activity throughout the empire was of a nationalist nature to a considerable degree. Dissatisfied radicals in Bohemia begin revolting in June; they would be suppressed a few days later by Austrian troops. Radicals in Vienna revolt in an attempt to seize power, declaring Austria a democratic republic. Though the Vienna revolution is repressed by Habsburg armies in October, support for conservatives strengthens as a result. Franz Josef becomes emperor in December and greatly limits the power of parliament, keeping only but a few previous reforms in place. In 1849, Tsar Nicholas I of Russia is called upon by the Austrians to help repress revolts in Hungary. This results in the restoration of Habsburg rule throughout Hungary by August.
These revolutions made the problems of Europe get so much more worse than anyone could expect. The poor working class that fought for money and food began to slowly suffer and die because nothing was done about it. This became a determining factor for why so many took part in the 1848 revolutions. The demonstrations and protests did no good for those striving for change. As much as these revolutions were unexpected, it seems as though the people of Europe knew that it was bound to happen and did their best to prepare themselves. Unfortunately, most weren't at all ready for the revolutions nor did they know the damages they would cause. The bourgeoisie was terrified of the proletariat for the first time, uniting those within their classes in common fear and envy. Protesting would later diminish into the revolution as people either became sick or had died as a result of such conditions.
The Revolutions of 1848 were a failure in of themselves for they didn't bring about any significant change. In Austria, Franz Josef persisted to dominate over minorities in eastern Europe. In Prussia, the national assembly held very little power and was dissolved shortly after its creation. In France, Louis Napoleon Bonaparte, nephew of the former French emperor, was elected president in December 1848; he fortified his position by gaining absolute power a few years later.
The failure of these revolutions were primarily due to lack of organization throughout Europe. A prime example are the revolts that took place in the cities of Austria; due to lack of communication among them, the Austrian army was able to suppress each in isolation opposed to a unified mob. A goal of the revolutions was to create a centralized state based upon popular sovereignty rather than a constitutional monarchy. It failed on account of the noble classes being too fixed in European society and their unwillingness to loosen their own power. The great powers aspired to maintain a conservative status quo that oppressed revolution and change within Europe.
Many immediate changes occurred in Europe that were unanticipated after all was said and done. These changed will shape how Europe expands and changed in the future. Though the revolutions can be viewed as an utter disaster in European history, good may have come from it. The working class stopped with the radical movements and instead worried about the things that they did have. Warfare was probable after the revolutions, however people may have learned to know the reasons for their fighting and to better prepare themselves by choosing the right time and place to fight.
Many European countries were undergoing a series of transitions that citizens disapproved of and some were controlled by other governments. The Revolutions of 1848 was the result of an immense amount of tension building up from all that was going wrong throughout Europe. Many died during this violent time on account of combat, sickness, or lack of food. People grew more cautious in terms of fighting, holding on to what they have as opposed to potentially losing it all in order to acquire more. The Revolutions of 1848 caused significant changes that affected the continent of Europe for decades to come. They have changed people's perspective of war along with the way governments govern their countries. People tried to better themselves by rioting in order to get what they needed. They felt this was their only chance at a better life for themselves and their families. Instead the situation became worse as the Revolutions of 1848 had begun.
