 In Europe 1848 was a year to remember a year of dramatic violent events of hope and of failure  A cholera epidemic in Europe caused

 Radowitz called a meeting of representative of all the German states to Erfurt in march 1850 to launch a new Reich (empire). 28 states agreed to the creation of the Prussian dominated Erfurt union but several important states suspicious of Prussian ambitions and fearful of Austria's reaction declined to join

 A meeting between Prussia and Austria  It took place at Olmütz on 29 th November 1850  It was to discuss the Prussian union plan (Erfurt Union)  They organised the meeting in Dresden for the future of Germany

 The parliament was essential liberal. The parliament intended to set about a united German state, under a constitutional monarch, who would rule through an elected parliament.  Ever state in ‘Germany’ sent a representative to the parliament, with the ruler of that states consent. It consisted of bout 569 members which was large for a parliament.  People of the state voted for electors who elected the representative  The significance of the Frankfurt parliament is that it was a constitution of the German states, working for the unification of Germany.  Successes of Frankfurt parliament  A series of black rights and demands drawn up. Eventually these  Laws were put in place: freedom of the press; fair taxation; German citizenship for all; equality of political rights with no religious influence  Failure  Frankfurt parliament splits between the various states became evident. Additionally, there were no organized political parties to hold the deputies together for voting.

 Dispute between Kliendeutschland and Grossdeutschland  Couldn’t agree what to do with Germany with liberals and radicals  Armies are loyal to kings  Austria and Prussia power is to strong for liberals and radicals  Loss of support during Revolutions  Police powers were increased and martial law was enforced  The prussians were keen to stop revolutions in Germany.

 Beg. Feb.: February Revolution in France  March 5. Declaration of Heidelberg  March 13. Metternich falls from power  Mid-March: Riots in Berlin  Late March: King Frederick William makes concessions to liberals  March 31: Meeting of the Vorparlement  May: Meeting of the Frankfurt Parliament  Nov: Frederick William re-establishes control in Berlin  Dec: New Prussian Constitution