American Revolution Of 1848 Research Paper

Changes in political and social order in the year 1848 struck Europe by a wave of revolutions. In the 19th century Europe, the significance of the revolutions of 1848 was that they were the most widespread political movements. To some extent, the Revolutions were initially successful in that they disrupted the monarchial strata of society. However, these revolutions were defeated swiftly due to faltering support from the moderates in society, lack of tactical leadership, and most prevalent, the loyalty towards a capitalistic society. In The Age of Capital, Eric Hobsbawm refers to the events of 1848 as the “springtime of the peoples” (CITATION). Despite popular support for the movements, the revolutions of 1848 were short-lived and were defeated

Therefore, characterizing these revolutions as a “springtime of the peoples” would not be entirely valid. The revolutionaries were unsuccessful in creating new regimes. Within a year or two the old regimes reinstated their power, making European states even stronger after the Revolutions of 1848. The first aim of this paper is to then understand, in depth, the reasons for the failure of the Revolutions and industrializations of 1848. The simultaneous occurrence will begin to shape a new market oriented, integrated economy. The paper will explain, with emphasis on the appeal of social order during the time, why these newly shaped economies did not favor the mass, democratic revolutions. It will be addressed that years after the revolution will also lead to an emergence of mass society by altering notions of identity; the success of an emergence of mass society, coupled with a newly defined economic landscape will lead economists to

The lower class men backing the revolution lacked governmental experience. They opposed the monarchy because they wanted to reform social welfare; however, they did not want to alter the existing social system significantly. Additionally, the revolutions led to a renewed form of economic crisis. (POSSIBLY A QUOTE FROM HOBSBAWN) Due to the overwhelming chaos, there was a shift away from violence in the states that experienced revolution. Rather than bloodshed, widespread disruption by the lower class emerged in the form of protests because of the lack of authority after the revolution. As a result, the newly appointed administrations were forced to structure the state apparatus similar to that of the old regime to restore order. Apart from political and economic ignorance, the revolutionaries of 1848 were not successful in mobilizing popular support to continue the radical ideas posed. The middle class revolutionaries began to be hesitant and worry that the actions of the masses would become too radical. (QUOTE). As a result, the advocates of the middle class only made mild efforts further the ideas of the revolution and were more willing to compromise with the authorities of the old regime. Similar to political leadership, tactical leadership faltered amongst the revolutionaries as well. The