The Spring of the Peoples was a series of conflicts that took place in some European countries in 1848. Of a liberal, national and socialist nature, the also called Revolution of 1848 started in France.
Historical Context
With the end of the Napoleonic Era , European monarchies met at the Congress of Vienna in order to secure or preserve the monarchy of the liberal ideals of the French Revolution . On this occasion the Holy Alliance is formed , which consisted of an agreement between countries, including a military one, for the protection of the absolutist monarch government.
The economic crisis caused by poor living conditions as a result of precarious harvests, rising prices and closing factories led workers and peasants to revolt. In 1848 Karl Max and Fredrich Engels launched the Communist Manifesto , which awakens the population to a socialist ideal that underlies their struggle. Bourgeois and nobles also joined the movement; longed for democracy.
Thus, throughout Europe, ideals based largely on liberal ideals spread, as socialism was being initiated.
To learn more, read the articles:French Revolution and Karl Max.
Consequences of Conflicts
The conflicts did not turn out to be as satisfying as desired.
Germany, for example, won a new constitution, which, however, was rejected by the king. In Austria, the emperor abdicated, but the empire returned years later. In France, King Louis Philippe abdicated and the Republic was proclaimed. Hungary fought for independence from Austria but was unsuccessful. Italy, in turn, fought for the unification of the country, which was achieved only years later.
Also outside Europe the ideals spread. In Brazil , the Praieira Revolution , which took place in Pernambuco between 1848 and 1950 and which ended with the defeat of the rebels, is a reflection of the movement that took place in Europe.
To learn more, also read the article:Praieira Revolution.
Eric Hobsbawn
The Marxist historian Eric Hobsbawn, who died in 2012 and one of the best known contemporary historians, wrote the book called “The age of capital” , a work that deals with the Spring of the peoples.
Arab Spring
In 2010, the Arab Spring began. This is a movement in the countries of Arabia, which began in Tunisia and continues to this day. The movement characterizes the struggle for democracy and for better living conditions resulting from the crisis, unemployment and lack of freedom.