revolutions of 1848

Series of revolts in various parts of Europe against monarchical rule. Although some of the revolutionaries had republican ideas, many more were motivated by economic grievances. The revolution began in France with the overthrow of Louis Philippe and then spread to Italy, the Austrian Empire, and Germany, where the short-lived Frankfurt Parliament put forward ideas about political unity in Germany. None of the revolutions enjoyed any lasting success, and most were violently suppressed within a few months.

See also Austria: history to 1920, revolutions of 1848; Hungary: history to 1918, Magyar nationalism and the revolution of 1848–49; Italy: history 1796–1870, the revolutions of 1848–49.