5.9 Continuing Revolutions, 1815–1848

Ideological currents after 1815

Post-Napoleonic Europe saw clashing ideologies: conservatism (defended monarchy, tradition, and the Vienna order), liberalism (constitutional government, civil liberties, free markets, favored by the middle class), and nationalism (unifying people by shared language/culture). Radicalism and early socialism (e.g., Utopian socialists) also emerged, demanding broader political and economic change beyond liberal reforms.

Wave of revolutions, 1820–1830

Liberal and nationalist uprisings challenged conservative order: revolts in Spain, Italy, and Greece (1820s) and the Greek War of Independence (achieved 1830) tested the Concert of Europe. The 1830 July Revolution in France overthrew Charles X, installing the more liberal Louis-Philippe; Belgium won independence from the Netherlands the same year.

The Revolutions of 1848

A continent-wide explosion: France ousted Louis-Philippe and briefly declared a republic; Germany and Italy saw failed nationalist unification attempts (Frankfurt Assembly); the Austrian Empire faced revolts from Hungarians, Czechs, and Italians. Despite initial successes, conservative forces reasserted control almost everywhere by 1849, showing the fragility of liberal-nationalist gains.

Key terms

Conservatism (post-1815)

Ideology defending monarchy, tradition, and the Vienna Settlement against revolutionary change.

Liberalism (19th century)

Ideology favoring constitutional government, civil liberties, and free markets, supported mainly by the middle class.

July Revolution (1830)

French uprising that overthrew Charles X and installed the more liberal Louis-Philippe.

Frankfurt Assembly

1848 German gathering aiming for national unification under a liberal constitution; ultimately failed.

Revolutions of 1848

Widespread liberal/nationalist uprisings across Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Austrian Empire) that initially succeeded but were mostly reversed by conservative forces by 1849.

Try an AP-style question

The Revolutions of 1848 were driven by…

1. the Congress of Vienna's popularity
2. peace and prosperity
3. support for absolute monarchy
4. liberalism, nationalism, and economic hardship