19 mars 1848 - Frederick William IV is forced to salute the corpses of slain revolutionaries in Berlin.

Description:

Despite belated attempts to organize a common resistance by the German governments, Frederick William was eventually completely overwhelmed by the revolution in March 1848, which was inspired by the revolution of the preceding month in France. He could neither prevent the street fighting in Berlin by last-minute concessions nor ride the wave; after the withdrawal of the troops to barracks, he masked his submission to the revolution by a processional ride through Berlin under the black and red and golden flag, the symbol of the united Germany, by paying homage to the bodies of the victims of the soldiery, and by his promise that “Prussia is henceforth merged in Germany.” Finally he had to convene a Prussian national assembly.