Question

Explain what is meant by the 1848 revolution by the liberals. What were the political, social and economic ideas supported by the liberals?

Answer 1

Hint: Revolutions of 1848 are a series of revolts against European monarchies, beginning in Sicily and spreading in France, Germany, Italy and the Austrian empire.

Complete answer:

The 1848 revolution was led by the educated middle class along with the poor, unemployed starving peasants and workers in many European countries for fulfilling their demands of constitutionalism with national unification. 

The revolutionary movement began in Italy with a local revolution in Sicily in January 1848, and, after the revolution of February 24 in France, the movement extended throughout the whole of Europe, with the exception of Russia, Spain, and the Scandinavian countries. 

Political ideas: The liberals that time were demanding constitutionalism with a goal of national unification. In German regions, a large number of political associations whose members were middle class professionals, businessmen and prosperous artisans came together in the city of Frankfurt and decided to vote for all German National Assembly. Social ideas: They demanded freedom from class based partiality. A large number of women had participated actively and formed their own political associations, founded newspapers, took part in political meetings and struggled for the right to vote. 

Economic ideas: Liberals struggled for abolition of serfdom and bonded labour and wanted freedom of market. 

Note: The revolutions of the liberals were parallel to the revolts of poor, unemployed and starving peasants and workers in many European countries in the year 1848, a revolution led by the middle class was underway. Though the conservative forces were able to suppress liberal movements in 1848, they could not restore the old order.