European Revolutions 1848

After Napoleon, it was a loose confederation of 39 independent states with Prussia as the strongest. German nationalism emerged during wars with France. There was a desire for the German states to unify politically. Industrialization began in the mid-19th century displacing artisans and craft workers. Factory workers faced difficult conditions. There was a widening gap between upper and working classes. Revolution broke out but was unsuccessful due to German princes using force to quell the revolt. Germany

Austria Ruled by the Hapsburg dynasty. Empire was diverse but Germans dominated. Magyars (Hungarians) wanted recognition and self-rule, as did the Slavs. Revolutions of 1848 spread through the empire in an effort to abolish absolutism. The Hapsburg government put down the revolution with military force. The weakened government allowed Hungary to be an independent state but still part of the Austrian empire (dual monarchy). Austria

Italy was fragmented and much land was controlled by the Hapsburgs. Italian nationalists rose in rebellion in 1848. Violent clashes in the cities and Austria suffered some losses. The Pope was forced to flee Rome and called for assistance from France. Austrians bombarded the Italians to put down the revolt. Italy remained fragmented. Italy