Revolution After Revolution

In the year of 1830-1848 the people of Europe fought for their beliefs. Throughout many nation revolutions had occurred; it was the liberal minority against the conservative majority. The conservatives were the monarchy and aristocracy in control of the countries at that time. Overall many of the revolution had failed greatly, but the ideas and beliefs that started them did not.

King Louis Philippe

The French revolution of 1830 began in July; it was the revolutionaries and radicals against the conservative monarchy. The revolutionaries wanted to extend voting right and power to the middle class; the radicals wanted a democracy. The revolution resulted in lots of violence and bloodshed, but they removed their old king from power and got a new king. King Louis Philippe was nicknamed "the citizen king" because he treated the people with respect; he was kind to them and visited them often. Although neither the revolutionaries or the radicals achieved what they wanted they bettered their situation with a new king. They showed the rest of Europe that the middle class can make changes.

In Poland, 1830 the Polish people fought for their independence from Russia. They fought a war and were able to keep the Russian army out of Poland for several months. The people of Poland were united and had become nationalized; they were able to taste independence for a few months. They lost the a crucial battle and Russia recaptured Warsaw. The war was over but the ideas and nationalism was still alive. These ideas inspired more revolutions and shows people that they can fight for their beliefs.

Metternich

In 1848, Hungary wanted their independence from Austria. They fought a war as Poland did in 1830, except Hungary had two opponents. Austria and Russia fought to recapture Hungary; Russia came in and stopped the revolution. But they were not able to stop it before Metternich, the leader of Austria fled. Metternich was a powerful leader and after he left he was never seen again. Hungary didn't become independent but they were able to create change and show that to the rest of Europe.

The revolution of 1830 and 1848 may have failed at the time, but the long term effects changed the course of each nation. These revolution had failed in achieving their goals right away but they did succeed in spread liberal ideas and beliefs. They were a success overall in history and had an everlasting effect. They symbolized the power of the lower and middle class, and how together they were strong enough to create some change.