feb 1, 1848 - "World Revolution" of 1848 1. First true "social revolution" of modern era - short lived urban workers movement in France that resonated elsewhere 2. Series of revolutions ("Springtime of the nations") - nationalist uprisings

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It was the “world revolution” of 1848 that transformed the ideological panorama from one with two ideological contenders (conservatives versus liberals) into one with three—conservatives on the right, liberals in the center, and radicals on the left.

What happened in 1848? Essentially two things. On the one hand, there occurred the first true “social revolution” of the modern era. For a very brief period, a movement supported by urban workers seemed to acquire some power in France, and this movement had resonances in other countries. The political prominence of this group wouldn’t last long. But it was frightening to those who had power and privilege. At the same time, there was another revolution, or series of revolutions, which the historians have called “the springtime of the nations.” In a number of countries, there were national or nationalist uprisings. They were equally unsuccessful, and equally frightening to those with power. The combination marked the beginning of a pattern that would engage the world-system for the next century and more: antisystemic movements as key political players. The world revolution of 1848 was a sudden flame that was doused, and acute repression followed for many years. But the revolution raised major questions about strategies, that is, ideologies.

Wallerstein, Immanuel. World-Systems Analysis (a John Hope Franklin Center Book) (p. 63-4). Duke University Press. Kindle Edition.

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"The revolutions were essentially democratic and liberal in nature, with the aim of removing the old monarchical structures and creating independent nation-states.[citation needed] The revolutions spread across Europe after an initial revolution began in France in February. Over 50 countries were affected, but with no significant coordination or cooperation among their respective revolutionaries. Some of the major contributing factors were widespread dissatisfaction with political leadership, demands for more participation in government and democracy, demands for freedom of the press, other demands made by the working class, the upsurge of nationalism, the regrouping of established government forces,[3] and the European Potato Failure, which triggered mass starvation, migration, and civil unrest.[4]

The revolutions arose from such a wide variety of causes that it is difficult to view them as resulting from a coherent movement or set of social phenomena. Numerous changes had been taking place in European society throughout the first half of the 19th century. Both liberal reformers and radical politicians were reshaping national governments.

Technological change was revolutionizing the life of the working classes. A popular press extended political awareness, and new values and ideas such as popular liberalism, nationalism and socialism began to emerge. Some historians emphasize the serious crop failures, particularly those of 1846, that produced hardship among peasants and the working urban poor.[citation needed]

Large swaths of the nobility were discontented with royal absolutism or near-absolutism. In 1846, there had been an uprising of Polish nobility in Austrian Galicia, which was only countered when peasants, in turn, rose up against the nobles.[6] Additionally, an uprising by democratic forces against Prussia, planned but not actually carried out, occurred in Greater Poland.[clarification needed]

The middle and working classes thus shared a desire for reform, and agreed on many of the specific aims. Their participation in the revolutions, however, differed. While much of the impetus came from the middle classes, much of the cannon fodder came from the lower classes. The revolts first erupted in the cities."

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