Liberal and National Revolutions in 19th Century Europe

The Challenge to the Conservative Order

A series of uprisings, revolutions, and wars challenged the Conservative Order in 1820, 1830, and 1848. They were strongly influenced by the following factors:

• Liberalism: The French Revolution proved it was possible to end royal absolutism and spread the ideals of 'Liberty, Equality, and Brotherhood' throughout Europe. According to liberalism, the powers of a monarch needed to be restricted by a constitution that respected the people.
• Nationalism: National identities grew in many parts of Europe in response to the Napoleonic invasion. There were national movements in states like the Ottoman and Austrian Empires, which ruled over many different peoples.

The Revolutions of 1820 and 1830

• Spain: There was a period of liberal government in Spain (1820–1823) against the absolute monarchy of Fernando VII.
• Greece: The Greeks revolted successfully against the Ottoman Empire during the Greek War of Independence.
• France: In 1830, the absolutist Charles X was deposed and replaced by the more liberal Louis Philippe of Orleans.
• Belgium: An uprising in the Kingdom of the Netherlands led to the creation of the new state of Belgium.
• Poland: There was an uprising against the Russian Empire in 1831, but this was severely repressed.

The Revolutions of 1848

Attempted revolutions occurred across Europe in 1848. The bourgeoisie and workers of many countries supported liberal reforms and democratic principles. In addition, there were attempts to establish independent national states. The following three countries were significantly affected:

• France: The monarchy of King Louis Philippe had become conservative and corrupt. In February 1848, the king was deposed and the Second French Republic was created. Napoleon Bonaparte was elected president, though he became increasingly authoritarian and declared himself Emperor of the Second French Empire in 1852.
• Germany: Demonstrations in cities called for German national unity and liberal reforms guaranteeing individual liberties.
• The Habsburg Empire: National movements, particularly in Hungary, fought for independence.

In the end, the liberal and national revolutions largely failed; however, they achieved important advances, such as universal male suffrage in France and the abolition of feudalism in Prussia and Austria.