Revolutions of 1830 and 1848

20.2

French Rebels Win in 1830

• After Louis XVII died, Charles X inherited the French throne.

• Charles suspended the legislature, limited suffrage, and censored the press. Liberals and radicals rebelled and caused Charles X to step down from the throne. Radicals wanted to setup a republic, but liberals wanted a constitutional monarchy. Louis Philippe, “the citizen king”, was put in power.

The Spirit of ReformBelgium

• In 1815 the Congress of Vienna united the Austrian Netherlands(Belgium) and Holland under the rule of the Dutch king. This land was united to act as a buffer to French expansion. In 1830 Belgians revolted and with the support of England and France, they gained independence in 1831.

Poland• Nationalists in Poland launched a revolt in 1830, yet did

not win independence. The Congress of Vienna gave most of Poland to Russia. In 1830 Polish workers, landowners, and army officers revolted, but were put down by Russian forces.

The French Revolt in 1848

• A recession, poor harvests, and inflation started a revolt in France. Newspapers blamed government officials and during the ‘”February Days” of 1848 mobs began to protest. Louis Philippe abdicated and the people established the 2nd Republic of France.

• Middle class Liberals wanted moderate reform, but the socialist working class wanted widespread social and economic change.

• By June, the middle and upper classes had gained control of the government. The workers protested, yet were violently quieted by the bourgeoisie. These events are known as the “June Days”.

• Napoleon III• Under the 2nd Republic, a president and one house

legislature were created. Napoleon Bonaparte’ nephew, Louis Napoleon won the presidency in 1848. Louis’ famous uncle and his passion for social issues won him the job. In 1852 he declared himself emperor, took the title of Napoleon III, and ended the 2nd Republic

Revolution Surges in Europe• In 1848 revolution in Paris caused revolutions

to occur around Europe. This event became known as “the springtime of the peoples”.

Austrian Empire• Workers and students revolted against the censorship

enacted by Metternich.• In Hungary Louis Kossuth led the nationalist fight for an

independent government, an end to serfdom, and a written constitution.