THE RESTORED BOURBON MONARCHY IN FRANCE 1814-1830.

After the defeat of Napoleon and his 1st exile to the land of Elba (1814), the Vienna Congress
powers restored the Bourbon monarchy in France under Louis Stanislus Xavier de France who
took the title Louis
XVIII. This was in accordance to the principle of legitimacy by which rightful rulers were to be
restored to their legitimate thrones. Louis XVIII was 60 years and was the eldest brother of King
Louis XVI who was executed in Jan 1793.
Louis XVIII was both intellectually and by character suitable to be a king. He had a lot of common
sense and had learnt a lot from the French revolution and Napoleonic era .He was aware of the
faults of his brother that caused his death .He had suffered enough in exile and would never wish
to go back. He therefore stood for a policy of compromise and reconciliation between the new and
old order in France.
However on 1st march 1815, Napoleon escaped from Elba and landed in Paris with 1100 men. He
received overwhelming ovation and support from the peasants. The soldiers sent to engage him
fraternized when he dimply moved forward, opened his coat and asked, "Which of you will fire
against his emperor"? This event forced Louis XVIII to flee to exile once again and Napoleon
ruled for 100 more days the allies, who had suffered in the hands of Napoleon, reorganized
themselves and defeated Napoleon at the battle of Waterloo on 18th June 1815. Louis XVIII
returned from exile with a charter to rule as a constitutional king. The support by the French men
to Napoleon showed Louis XVIII that the Bourbon monarchy was no longer fashionable in France.
He therefore, had no desire to revenge against the supporters of the previous governments.
Although he would have like to enjoy life as it was in the old days, he had learnt that the good old
days were no more and he was able to let bygones be bygones. He was therefore ready to
accommodate the revolutionary and Napoleonic gains and accepted to rule by the provisions o f
the constitutional charter provided by the Vienna peacemakers of 1815.
However, Louis XVIII was too old, ugly, sickly and died in 1824. He was replaced by his brother
Comte De-Artois who self styled himself Charles X. Charles X*s unrealistic policies shortened
the reign of the restored Bourbon monarchy and in July 1830, it was overthrown by yet another
revolution.
As already noted, the restored Bourbons were not to be absolute monarchs but constitutional
ones. This was provided by the victorious allies in 1814 and became known as the 1814
constitutional charter. It provided for the following amongst others:-
I. Freedom of speech, association, worship and ownership of property.
ii. Equality before the law and trial by Jury.
iii. Parliamentary democracy with two chambers i.e. Chambers of peers and Deputies. iv. Equality
of all forms of opportunities be it in civil, military or public works.
V. Permanent ownership of land and property acquired during the 1789 revolution.
vi. The king alone was the head of the administration, army and had the right to conclude treaties
and prepare the bill to be debated in both houses. vii. The white flag was considered the national
flag.
The significance of the charter was that it recognized the revolutionary and Napoleonic gains in
France e.g. equality in all circles, freedom of worship, code Napoleon, concordat etc.
The charter was also not oblivious (unaware) of the principle of divine rights of kings .It was not
imposed by the people on the king. It was passed over by the king to the people as a matter of
grace and conferred upon him powers over the army, parliament and foreign affairs. The charter
was intended to be; a treaty of peace between two parties into which France has been divided, a
treaty by which both parties yield some of their pretensions in order to work together for the good
of their country.
This constitution was provided in good faith to make the Bourbon monarchy comfortable in a
dynamic and revolutionary France. However as time went on, the restored Bourbons violated the
charter and pursued unrealistic policies against the interests of the Frenchmen and the European
big powers. This shows that they learnt nothing and forgot nothing from the French revolution and
Achievements Of Louis Xviii (1815 -1824)

1. King Louis XVIII was less despotic. He maintained a parliamentary system of government
and tried to abide by the provisions of the constitutional charter of 1814. This helped to cool down
the French revolutionaries and Napoleonic supporters whose fear was that the restored Bourbon
monarchy would revive the despotic and undemocratic pre 1789 system of rule. His acceptance of
the 1814 constitutional charter also won him diplomatic recognition from the Great powers
especially Britain. All these helped to consolidate the rule of the restored Bourbon monarchy in a
dynamic and revolutionary France.
2. Louis XVIII succeeded in paying off the war indemnity that had been imposed on France
after the downfall of Napoleon I. At the 2nd Paris peace treaty of20th Nov 1815, the victor powers
imposed a huge war indemnity of_700'million francs on France. King Louis XVI cleared off the
whole indemnity within only three (3) years. This made the victorious powers to withdraw the
army of occupation from France in 1818 at the congress of Aix Lachapalle.
3. Louis XVIlI restored the greatness of France in Europe. France had been in a hostile
relationship with Europe right from the revolutionary government through the reign of Napoleon
), However in 1818, Richelieu, the French representative at the congress of Aix Lachapalle
advocated for the admission of France in the congress system. This was accepted and France was
admitted in the congress system, which ended her isolation amongst the great powers of Europe.
This meant that France under Louis XVIII was still a great power to reckon with in European
politics.
4. Louis XVIII succeeded in reorganizing and re- equipping the French army under military
genius of Marshall Cyr. The French military apparatus and army were completely disorganized by
the allied forces that defeated Napoleon. Louis XVIII improved the military position of France by
recruiting young Frenchmen into the army and re- deploying old generals. Furthermore, the
ministry of Duke de- decades (1818-1820), a liberal army law was passed that provided for on
merit and voluntary recruitment.
5. Economically, during Villeles' ministry (1821 - 1827), high import duties were adopted to
protect home industries from competition. Financial reorganization that was begun by -eon I was
also successfully accomplished. This helped to restore some degree of financial stability of an
economy that had been destroyed by war for over two decades.
6. Louis XVIII was realistic and was not ready to tamper with the achievements of the French
Revolution and its heir Napoleon. These included trial by jury and the code Napoleon. He to
restrain the ultra royalists in their quest for revenge (The white terror). This is why he granted
amnesty for the victims of ultra-royalist quest for revenge who had not yet been compromised. All
that Louis XVIII wanted was peaceful coexistence between the past revolutionaries and. The
royalists as he said that, I will not be a king of two people.
7. In his foreign policy, Louis XVIII recorded success when he suppressed the Spanish revolts
in 1823 and restored Ferdinand VII to power. This earned him and France glory and prestige
showing that he had not learnt nothing and forgotten nothing of how adventurous the French men
were.
However, he failed to help Ferdinand VII and Spain to recover the Spanish American colonies due
to opposition from Britain and President Monroe of the United States of America nevertheless; he
had succeeded in reestablishing the Bourbon dynasty in Spain,
Lastly, Louis XVIII succeeded in his reconciliation policy. He avoided to completely adopt the
ultra royalist programs and even warned his brother Charles X about it on the eve of his death. He
sided with moderate ultra- royalists. Louis also created a strong solidarity with some former
revolutionaries and Napoleon's supporters. For example, he appointed Napoleon's former ministers
like Fochi to his cabinet. This brought harmony after the white terror showing that he had learnt
something from the reign of terror during the course of the French Revolution.
Attachments
Weaknesses Of King Louis Xviii

Although Louis xvi had realized that the best way to rule France was through a constitutional
charter, he failed to hide his monarchial hang over. He still considered himself as a king by the
grace of love other than by the will of the people .He regarded the charter simply as a gift that ff
was to use according to his wishes. This showed that Louis had not learnt enough lessons from the
French revolutionary aim for the need peed for a constitution.
1. The 1814 charter that he boasted of was not liberal as expected. The new parliament was
undemocratic. Louis XVIII utilized his powers and chose ministers and members of the chamber
of peers from nobles than the middle class who would have offered his government constructive
criticisms. Since the chamber of peers was empowered to propose national laws, it remained
favourable to the monarchy in the pre-1789 fashion. He put a full stop to the little Arm of
democracy by banning the parliament after the murder of Duke De- Berry.
Louis XVIII maintained a narrow franchise that disqualified a majority of the French men from
free participation in politics especially the peasants. For one to be elected in the chamber ...f
deputies, he had to be over 40 years of age and pay a direct tax of 1000 francs, while for one to
vote one had to pay 300 Francs. Such criteria entitled only about 100,000 citizens out of a
population of about 29,000,000 the right to vote. This was against universal manhood propagated
by the French revolution.
4. Louis XVIII further banned the popularly cherished revolutionary tri-colour flag and
restored the white flag of the Bourbons. This shows how he tended to revive the pre-1789 order.
He also tailed to either reconcile or harmonize the different political groups in France and to utilize
their differences by applying divide and rule policy. The relationship between the republicans,
Bonapartists, liberals vis-avis the ultra-royalists remained very hostile even after his death.
5. Although Louis XVIII was prepared to let by gones be by gones, he failed to carry on the
activities of the ultra royalists who conducted a revenge program against the Bonapartist, 'liberals
and anyone suspected to have anti-Bourbon feelings. About 7.000 Frenchmen either executed,
mutilated, imprisoned or exiled between 1816-17 during the “white terror” these included French
military heroes like Marshall Bruno, Ney (The bravest of the braves) these created more chaos and
political instability in France. It showed that Louis XVIII had learnt and gotten nothing from the
reign of terror of 1792 -94.
6. Press freedom that the Frenchmen had achieved through the revolution of 1789 was banned
after the murder of Duke De-Berry in 1820. Only newspapers that supported the restored monarchy
were allowed to operate, the rest were censored and their offices were locked up including their
publishers.
This was against freedom of expression and thought that the Frenchmen cherished.
7. Louis XVIII further restricted political freedom of the Frenchmen between 1816 – 1820.
He did this by dissolving the parliament, banning political parties, restricting meetings and
stopping by jury.
This was a return to Bourbon despotism of the revolutionary period that the French men had signed
off in the 1789 revolution.
8. Louis XVIII also hark the control of education to the Catholic Church. In 1822, a bishop
was made the minister of education. He also kept aloof from the claims of the nobles and clergy
over their former land that had been acquired by die peasant. This was very unrealistic ^ both the
Concordat and the 1814 charter had guaranteed possessions of such land by the peasants.
9. Internally, Louis XVIII did not go so far to alleviate the economic conditions of the
Frenchmen.
France had been heavily ravaged by the revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. She therefore needed
a comprehensive economic recovery program that Louis failed to provide.
10. Lastly, Louis dismissed reformist Chief minister Richelieu and replaced him with Villele
who was an ultra-royalist in 1821. Villele took advantage of Louis' poor health and successfully
implemented ultra-royalist programs against supporters of the revolutionary and Napoleonic
regimes. This showed that he had learnt nothing and forgotten nothing from his brother Louis XVI
who dismissed the popular financial controllers like Turgot and Necker and used the influence of
his unpopular wife Marie Antoinette that had partly led to the outbreak of the French revolution
of 1789.
NB. Louis XVIII tried to control the activities of the ulto-royalist between 1817 -1820 that was
making the throne "hotter" for him. However, the murder of Duke De-Berry, a son of Charles X
by a Bonapartist (other sources stress a republican) in 1820 was utilized by the ultra-royalists to
persuade the king and parliament that liberalism and Bonapartism were bad and must be stopped.
Villele accomplished this for example in 1822, he passed a severe law limiting the press, trial by
jury and surrounded himself with hard core ultras. The murder of Duke De-Berry was considered
a calculated move to destroy the Bourbon monarchial rule in France. The Duke was the son of
Charles X mid since Louis XVIII had no son, he was the only heir for the Bourbons after Charles
X.
CHARLES X
Charles X was originally called Comte-De-Artois. He rose to power after the death of his brother
King Louis XVIII in 1824 and took the title Charles x after his coronation in 1825. He was a leader
of the Émigrés who had suffered the pains of the revolutionary and Napoleonic reforms and
actively contributed to the defeat of Napoleon 1. After the restoration of the Monarchy in 1815,
Charles X became a leader of the ultra-royalists who executed the famous white terror from 1816
-1817 against supporters of previous regimes i.e. Revolutionary and Napoleonic governments.
This experience made him to be an avowed/open enemy to the changes of the French Revolution
and the rule of Napoleon I. He pursued and sustained policies that were very unrealistic as he tried
to undo the revolutionary and Napoleonic reforms, which were favourable to the masses. He took
pride in the fact that both he and Lafayette had not changed at all inspite of the change of times.
He thus learnt nothing from the French revolution and forgot nothing from the mistakes of his
brother Louis XVl. On the contrary, he remembered each and every thing of the outlived
aristocratic principles that he attempted with disastrous consequences to resurrect. This caused the
1830 July revolution that swept him and the monarchy from the political landscape of France and
indeed Europe,
CHARLES X’S UNREALISTIC POLICIES
1. Compensation scheme
In 1825, Charles X passed a compensation bill by which the émigrés who had lost their properties
during the French revolution and the rule of Napoleon were to either regain their property or be
compensated. He set aside 1.000 million Francs (£ 40.000.000) for this scheme. Whereas it was
necessary to compensate the émigrés, the way the money was raised was very unrealistic. This was
achieved by lowering the interest rate on public debts from 5% - 3%, taxing the peasants and die
middle class. The peasants and middle class lost the land that they had acquired during the
revolution which had even been confirmed by the Concordat,
NB. This aspect of Charles X's policy showed that he intended to revive the privileges of the
aristocrats and the unfair tax system which the French men had fought and buried in 1789. He thus
learnt nothing and forgot nothing from the French revolution and the ancient regime.
2. His policy towards the Catholic Church
Charles X restored the privileges of the church in disregard to the civil constitution of the clergy
and the concordat. He passed a law regarding defiling religious places and things in which death
sentence was fixed for theft in churches and making holy utensils in church unholy. This law was
so extreme and was never given a practical shape due to intensive opposition against it. Even then,
Charles X pursued pro church policies. For instance, he revived the influence of the church on the
state and education. A clergy was made the minister of education and Bishops were permitted to
appoint ail teachers in primary schools.
This is why Wellington asserts that Charles X established a government by priests, through priests
and for priests.
NB. Charles X's religious inclination was shown right from 1825 in his coronation ceremony, e.g.
His body was pierced seven times with a golden needle kept right from the 5^ century. This was
to make him receive blessings from the holy oil. He is reported to have moved from place to place
to heal the sick with his holy touch. A Bishop crowned Charles at the Rheims Cathedral. He led a
religious procession in Paris. He was dressed in violet robes with a burning candlelight in his hand.
The procession moved through the streets of Paris which increased fear in the people. This was an
all out restoration of the pre-1789 church privileges showing that he was a deaf monarch to the
revolutionary bells.
3. The National Guard
Charles’ unrealistic policies provoked a protest from the National Guard, which prompted him to
disband it in 1827. He was too suspicious of an armed revolt or coup detat by the Bonapartists,
liberals and republicans who had dominated the National Guard. This was unrealistic considering
two things. First, the National Guard was guaranteed by the 1814 Charter. Secondly, it had
championed the revolutionary cause against various European coalitions and stood for military
glory in the conquest of Europe up to 1814. It was even the only protector of the freedom of the
Frenchmen. Charles is reported to have said that; Concessions ruined Louis XVI and so he
thought that by destroying the National Guard he was learning something and forgetting something
from the faults of his brother. However, this boomeranged on him as the National Guard and the
regular troops joined the masses in 1830 revolution that destroyed him and the Bourbon monarchy.
4. Dismissal of Comte De-Martinac and the appointment of Polignac
Charles X dismissed his moderate counselor (Reformist minister) Comte De- Martinac (who had
succeeded Villele in 1827) and replaced him with Prince De- Polignac in 1829. Polignac was a
former prisoner of Napoleon and an ultra of ultras. Like Marie Antoinette, he was very
unsympathetic to the masses, a poor advisor and strongly inclined to aristocratic and conservative
principles. He bluntly stated that his policy was to; re-organize society, give back the clergy their
weight in state affairs, create a powerful aristocracy and surround it with privileges.
This led to a political consciousness that provoked crisis and confrontation that climaxed into the
1830 revolution.
NB. This showed that Charles X failed to learn lessons from the pre-1789 events that led to the
revolution against his brother Louis XVI i.e. he failed to learn from the mistakes of Louis XVI of
discarding popular people like Turgot and Necker and using unpopular elements like Marie
Antoinette.
5. Despotism
One aspect of Charles administration was despotism. He hated and detested being a constitutional
monarch. Asked why he was not adhering to the 1814 Charter, Charles boasted that I would rather
chop wood than rule in the fashion of the king of England. He had nothing in his dictionary to do
with democracy and constitutionalism. This was very unrealistic Mid showed that he had learnt
nothing and forgotten nothing out of the French revolution considering that despotism had been
overwhelmed by the 1789revolutionary forces of equality, liberty and fraternity.
6. Freedom of the press
Press freedom that was gained out of the 1789 revolution came to a halt when it was suppressed
by Charles X due to its critics against his unrealistic policies. Liberal journalists were either
punished with a heavy fine or imprisoned for 7 years. Newspapers were to be sanctioned by the
king .In 1827, a law was passed which completely destroyed press freedom. This amongst others
provoked liberal protests that climaxed into the July 1830 revolution
7. St. Cloude Ordinance 1830
On 25th July 1830, Charles X issued the St Cloude Ordinance in which he clearly stated that; ....A
government that has not the right to take measures for the safety of the state cannot exist
Consequently, he declared a state of emergency, dissolved the newly elected chamber of deputies,
renewed the ban on the press, reduced the life of the parliament from seven years to five years and
ordered for fresh elections after reducing the number of voters from 100.000 to 25,000 just to cling
on power.
The ordinance was a challenge to the achievements of the French revolution and completely
destroyed the 1814 charter. It provoked people who erected barricades throughout the streets oi
Pans, although the government demolished them. However, the National Guard and the regular
troops joined the masses who became the masters of Paris on 29th July 1830. Thiers, Guizot and
Tallyrand offered the throne to Louis Philippe, Duke of Orleans and the offer was accepted by
him. Charles X abdicated in favour of his nine years grandson Henry, Duke of Bordeaux
commonly known as Count of Chambord. However, nobody bothered about him and the throne
was given to Louis Philippe. Charles X and his family left for England and later Austria where he
died in 1836.
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REALISTIC POLICIES OF CHARLES X

Charles appears to have learnt something from the poor economic policies of his brother Louis
XVI. This made him to embark on socio-economic developments. In his administration,
agriculture, transport and industry progressed; railways and gas lighting were coordinated
throughout Paris and its immediate towns by 1830.
In his foreign policy, Charles X pursued an adventurous foreign policy that brought glory to the
Frenchmen. He colonized Algeria in 1830 for France and France became the first effective colonial
power in Africa. Algeria became a potential area for future exploitation through grains and olives
that were shipped as raw materials for French industries.
In the Greek war of independence, France under Charles X allied with Britain and Russia, and
assisted the Greeks against the Turks. The French fleet took part in the destruction of the Turkish
fleet at Navarino bay in 1827. Although Charles X later withdrew the French troops from the Greek
struggle, he had co operated with England to reduce Russian imperialism in the Balkans.
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CHRONOLOGICAL TIMEFRAME OFSIGNIFICANTEVENTS

1814-1824: The reign of King Louis XVIII

1816-1817: The white terror
4^ June 1814: King Louis XVIII issued a liberal charter
1821: Lafayette unsuccessfully organized a rebellion against Louis XVIII at Belfort
1822; Appointment of a bishop as the minister of education
1824-1830: The reign of Charles X
1815-1818: 1820-1821, Due de Richelieu as chief minister
May 1816: Peasant revolt at Grenoble, Suppressed with a lot of brutality.
1818-1820: Decazes as chief minister.
1820: The murder of Duke de Berry, Decazes resigned
1821-1827; The ministry of Villeie who became unpopular and resigned
1823: French troops suppressed the revolution in Spain and restored Ferdinand I to his throne.
1825: Coronation of Charles X as King
Compensation scheme to indemnify Émigrés for the loss of their property in the course of the
revolution was initiated.
1827: Charles X disbanded the National Guard
1828-1829; Comte De Martignac as Chief minister, Dismissed in 1829.
1829-1830: Prince De Polignac as Chief Minister
1830: The St Cloude ordinance
July 1830 The outbreak of a revolution that led to the downfall of the restored Bourbon
Monarchy and Mouarchism in France.
1st Aug 1830: Charles X abdicated the throne and fled to England
THE 1830 REVOLUTIONS IN EUROPE
In 1830, Europe experienced revolutionary movements in states such as France, Belgium,
Poland, Spain, Portugal, Italian states and of German states. Even before 1830, there was a state
of unrest / instability in Europe due to tension between the new forces of liberalism and nationalism
against the old forces of despotism and conservatism. Such tension gathered momentum and
exploded into the 1830 revolutions in Europe.
GENERAL CAUSES OF THE REVOLUTIONS

1. The 1815 Vienna settlement

The Vienna settlement of 1815 was primarily responsible for the outbreak of the 1830 revolutions
in
Europe. The settlement ignored and undermined the forces of nationalism and liberalism in Europe.
It restored very unpopular rulers like the Bourbons in France, Ferdinand VII in Spain, Ferdinand
II in Naples and Victor Emmanuel I in Piedmont' to their thrones. It became a forum for Metternich
to impose his anti liberal and anti nationalistic policies against smaller nations like Italians and
Germans. The settlement also forcefully amalgamated Belgium with Holland to form the Kingdom
of Netherlands. All these were cardinal mistakes that brought instability in Europe, which climaxed
in the 1830 revolutions in France, Belgium, Italian and German states. It should be noted that the
settlement ignored the independence of
Poland and ratified the partition of Poland between Russia, Austria and Prussia. This left the Poles
with no other better option to regain their independence than a revolution.
2. Unrealistic parliamentary system
Unfair parliamentary system also caused the outbreak of the 1830 revolutions in Europe. In the
kingdom of Netherlands, the Belgians whose population was 3.5 million were given equal number
of seats in the parliament with the Dutch whose population was only 2million. The Belgian
members of parliament were given equal number of seats in the parliament with the Dutch whose
population was only 2million. The Belgian mps were government officials/sycophants who
supported Dutch interest against Belgian interest in parliament just to gain favour from King
William I. This left the Belgians who had social, political and economic problems hopeless, which
dragged them to the 1830 revolution.
In Poland, Tsar Nicholas I ignored the polish parliament and never summoned it until 1825. Even
then the parliament remained powerless since the king continued to rule according to his wishes.
In France, Charles X and his chief Minister Guizot issued the St- Cloude ordinance of 1830 that
dissolved the parliament.
They nullified elections because many opposition had won seats in parliament and ordered for
fresh elections after reducing the number of eligible voters from 100,000 to 25,000, which left
75,000 Frenchmen disenfranchised. By 1830, there was popular demand for parliamentary reforms
and the government s insensitivity to such demands in Belgium, Poland and France is what caused
revolutions in such states.
3. Unrealistic constitutional system of governance
Unfair constitutional system of governance was yet another issue that contributed to the outbreak
of the 1830 revolutions in Europe. In the' kingdom of Netherlands, the constitution favoured the
Dutch to the disadvantage of the Belgians. This was also extended in the courts of law, which
conditioned the Belgians to revolt in 1830. In Italian and German states, Metternich and Austria
ruled autocratically without a constitution. In France, the 1814 constitution made property
qualification the basis of voting, which left about 100.000 Frenchmen out of about 29 million
eligible to vote. The violation of the 1814 constitutional charter by the restored bourbons
discredited them from liberal Frenchmen
The Belgians, Italians, Germans and Frenchmen therefore wanted a constitutional system of
government such as that of Britain, which their leaders refused to adopt, hence the outbreak of
revolutions.
4. Political margilisation
The 1830 revolutions were also caused by unfair distribution of key government positions. The
Belgians were marginalized in favour of Dutch, for instance, only one cabinet minister out of 7
was a Dutch, 9 out of 39 ambassadors were Belgians and all the 9 army generals were Dutch. In
Poland key government positions were awarded to Russians and Russians replaced Polish officials
in high positions. The Belgians and Poles could not tolerate this political margilisation beyond
1830, hence the outbreak of the revolutions.
5. Press censorship
Denial of press freedom also contributed to the outbreak of 1830 revolutionary movements in
Europe. In the kingdom of Netherlands, the Belgian press was severely censored while that of
Holland was left free to operate. In France, the restored bourbons (Louis XVIII from 1821 and
Charles X from 1824) also censored the press just to avoid their weaknesses from being made
public. In Poland, the situation was the same. In all these states there were heavy penalties on
liberal journalists who defied the ban on press freedom. This explains why the liberals, journalists,
intellectuals and editors spear headed the revolutions in states such as Belgium, France and Poland.
6. The French revolution of 1789
Inspiration from the French revolution of 1789 also occasioned the outbreak of the 1830
revolutions in Europe. The 1789 revolution came with revolutionary ideas of equality, liberty and
fraternity that inspired oppressed masses with similar problems e.g. Italians, Belgians, Germans
and Poles to rebel in 1830. This was because the French revolution of 1789 provided a practical
example of how equality, liberty and attained against an oppressive and exploitive government.
They also learnt that the power belongs to the oppressed people who can use revolutionary means
to cause the biggest political change. In France, the restored Bourbons learnt nothing and forgot
nothing from the French revolution of 1789, which made the Frenchmen to stage yet another
revolution in 1830.
7. Success of the French revolution of 1830
The success of the French revolution of 1830 against the restored Bourbon monarchy also
contributed to the outbreak of the 1830 revolutions in other states. By 1830, the Italians were fed
up with foreign domination and oppression. They could not revolt due to fear of the Troppau
protocol through which Austria, Russia and Prussia had pledged to suppress Lope and maintain
the Vienna Settlement. However, they were inspired to revolt in 1830 when they realized that the
French succeeded without any opposition/ intervention from neither the signatories of the Vienna
settlement nor the Troppau protocol powers. This is because the success of the French men in the
Feb. revolution portrayed the vulnerability/ vincibility of the Vienna settlement and how it had
lived its usefulness.
8. British support of liberalism and nationalism
The British liberal tendency and support towards liberalism was also responsible for the outbreak
of the 1830 revolutions in Europe. Britain was a liberal and democratic country that was displeased
with foreign domination and oppression. She pursued a non-interventionist foreign policy but gave
moral and indirect support to oppressed nations who were struggling for freedom. This encouraged
the Belgians, Italians, Germans, French and Poles to revolt in 1830. This was because they
anticipated support and no opposition from British government.
9. Weakness and collapse of the congress system
The weakness and collapse of the congress system by 1830 also contributed to the outbreak of the
1830 revolutions in Europe. The congress system was established to maintain the Vienna
settlement, which had undermined nationalism and liberalism of the Belgians, Italians, Germans
and Poles. These nations were afraid of the congress powers that were bound to crash any
revolutionary movement against the Vienna Settlement. However, the weaknesses of the congress
system such as lack of joint army, disunity of the members together with self-interest provided a
line of weakness for these nationalities to mobilize and revolt by 1830. It's eventual collapse by
1830 left Europe more divided without any spirit of togetherness in defending the Vienna
settlement. The Belgians, Italians, Germans and Poles used this as a golden opportunity to mobilize
and revolt by 1830.
10. Economic hardship
Economic hardship prior to 1.830 made indispensable contribution to the outbreak of the 1830
revolutions in Europe. There was massive corruption, embezzlement of public funds and
excessive/ over taxation of the Italians, Germans, Poles, French and Belgians. Italians and
Germans were exploited through over taxation by corrupt Austrian officials and Metternich. The
French were affected by the effects of revolutionary and Napoleonic wars plus the heavy war
indemnity that was imposed on her after the downfall of Napoleon. Belgian economy was
paralyzed by Leopold's free trade policy and over taxation of bread to the advantage of the Dutch.
The overall effects of these were poverty, famine, inflation and unemployment that provided
desperate conditions for the outbreak of the 1830 revolutions in Europe.
11. Side effects of industrial revolution
The negative effects of industrialization also contributed to the outbreak of the 1830 revolutions
in Europe. It created more problems like unemployment and low payments for long hours of work
in poor working conditions. The unemployed population in Belgium and France blamed their
governments for their problems. The workers also hated their governments for failing to address
their poor conditions of work.
Besides, industrialization led to die rise of a strong middle class with ambitions to gain political
prominence/ positions by criticizing their governments for failing to address the problems of
unemployment and poor conditions of work. This created the necessary atmosphere for the
explosion of the 1830 revolutions in Europe.
12. Religion.
Religion was responsible for the outbreak of the 1830 revolutions especially in Belgium and
France. In the. Kingdom of Netherlands, Protestant religion was made a state religion amidst
protest from the Belgians who were Catholics and excitement from the Dutch who were
Protestants. Education was made to be under the church, which meant that catholic schools were
indirectly given to Protestants since Protestants dominated key government positions. Belgian
religious leaders criticized such polices and thus influenced the outbreak of the revolution. In
France, Charles X revived the church influence on state affairs and the privileges of the clergy.
This was a resurrection of the pre-1789 church influence and privileges which the Frenchmen had
shed blood to abolish in the 1789 revolution. Eventually, it dragged the Frenchmen to yet another
revolution in 1830.
13. Despotism
The need to end dictatorship in Europe was also responsible for the outbreak of the 1830
revolutions. In France, Charles X established a perfect dictatorship in 1830 when he enacted the
St. Cloude ordinance e in which he declared a state of emergency, nullified elections and ordered
for a fresh one after reducing the number of voters from 100,000 to 25,000. Tsar Nicholas I killed
many Poles whom he suspected to have played a role in the death of his father. He also proposed
to use the Polish army to suppress the revolution in France that made them to mutiny against him.
In Belgium, Leopold II dictated policies that favoured the Dutch against the Belgians
e.g. he forced the Belgians to use Dutch as official language. In Italian and
German states, Metternich system denied the Italians freedom of speech, association, worship,
press etc.
The above dictatorial and anti-liberal policies were unacceptable to the French, Belgians, Italians
and Germans, hence the outbreak of the 1830 revolutions in Europe.
14. The struggle for national independence and unification
The desire to achieve independence and unification also caused the 1830 revolutions in Europe.
The Vienna Settlement of 1815 undermined nationalism and subjected Belgium to Dutch control,
Poland to Russian rule, Italians and Germans to Austrian influence. Metternich frustrated Italian
and German unifications through his repressive policy of divide and rule, espionage and force.
This made Italians and Germans who had started struggling for unification earlier to continue after
1815, which climaxed into the outbreak of 1830 revolutions. Thus, one can comfortably assert that
the struggle for national independence and unification in Belgium, Poland, Italian and German
states contributed to the outbreak of 1830 revolutions in Europe.
15. Role of intellectuals and revolutionary leaders
Lastly, the role-played by intellectuals and revolutionary leaders also caused the outbreak of the
1830 revolutions in Europe. In spite of press censorship, Journalists, professors, teachers and
lawyer's clandestinely/ secretly condemned unrealistic policies of their governments and inspired
the masses with revolutionary emotions. Their role was very influential in planning and mobilizing
the masses and foreign assistance for the revolution. Polignao led the revolution in Belgium while,
Lafayette, Louis Philippe, Adolph-Theirs, Lamar tine, Tallyrand and Cavainag worked together to
lead the revolution in France. The revolutions in Poland and
German states were led by intellectuals especially university students. They read and interpreted
the writings of philosophers to the oppressed masses and made it easy to mobilize them for the
revolution.
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EFFECTS/SIGNIFICANCE OF THE 1830 REVOLUTIONS ON EUROPE

The 1830 revolutions had positive and negative effects on the political, social and economic
developments of Europe. Some of its effects were short term while others were long term and
everlasting in the history of Europe.
Negative effects
1. Loss of life and destruction of property
The 1830 revolutions resulted into massive loss of lives and destruction of property. In Belgium,
the Dutch troops attacked and killed thousands of Belgians while the revolutionaries destroyed
important places like opera house. In Italian states, Spain and Portugal, civil war developed after
the revolutions and led to more death and destruction of property.
2. Downfall of Kings and their governments
The 1830 revolutions led to the downfall of Kings and their governments. The revolution in
Belgium overthrew the Belgian crown as the Belgians regained their independence from king
Leopold II of the Kingdom of Netherlands. In France, Charles X and the restored Bourbon
monarchy were overthrown and never again re-surfaced in the political leadership of France. In
the German states of Brunswick, the ruling Duke was overthrown. In the Italian states of Modena
and Parma, King Francis IV and Marie Louise were overthrown respectively. The downfall of
these Kings and governments were a direct consequence of revolutionary activities against them.
3. Downfall of Louis Philippe and Orleans monarchy
The 1830 revolutions in Belgium, Italian states and Poland contributed to the downfall of Louis
Philippe and Orleans's monarchy in France. The liberals. Catholics and glory seekers in France
pressurized Louis Philippe to assist the revolutionaries in Belgium, Italy and Poland but Philippe
declined. It made them to criticize his government and leadership as incompetent of reviving the
French lost glory and prestige in Europe. This undermined the popularity of Louis Philippe and
Orleans monarchy right from the start and contributed to outbreak of 1848 revolution, which
terminated Louis Philippe and the monarchy from the "political landscape" of France.
4. Total Collapse of the Congress system
The 1830 revolutions led to total collapse of the congress system. The congress system that was
instituted maintain the Vienna settlement and peace was finally brought to an end by the 1830
revolutions. The revolutions created more divisions amongst the congress powers and
consequently undermined the concert of Europe/ spirit of togetherness. For instance, Britain and
France supported the revolution in Belgium, which was opposed by Austria, Prussia and Russia.
Britain and Russia also supported the revolutions in Italian and German states against Austria. All
these undermined the concert of Europe and made it impossible to revive the congress system that
had already been weakened by other factors.
5. Outbreak of1848 revolutions in Europe and 1863revolution in Poland
The 1830 revolutions also contributed to the outbreak of the 1848 revolutions in Europe. The
suppression of Italian, German and Polish revolutions left them more determined to fight due to
unfulfilled aims and objectives i.e. freedom. This partly explains why Italians and Germans kept
resisting Austrian influence, which climaxed into the 1848 revolutions. The success of the Belgium
and French revolutions of 1830 discredited the Vienna settlement and moral boosted the Italians,
Germans and Poles to fight and overthrow the arrangement of the Vienna settlement in their states.
Besides, the revolutions made Metternich to toughen his repressive policy against Italians,
Germans and Hungarians only to drag them the 1848 revolutions. The failure of the Poles to
achieve their aims and objectives in 1830 made them continue with the struggle that led to the
outbreak of yet another revolution in 1863.
6. Weakened Metternich's influence in Europe
Metternich’s influence and system in Europe were undermined by the 1830 revolutions. In the
Vienna settlement of 1815; Metternich influenced the delegates to restore the Bourbon monarchy
in France and amalgamate Belgium with Holland. This was successfully reversed in 1830 when
the restored Bourbons were over thrown and Belgium broke off from Holland. Metternich failed
to influence European statesmen to suppress the revolutions and preserve the Vienna settlement.
The rise of Louis Philippe in France and Leopold Saxe-Coburg in Belgium with anti-Metternich
background and policies left Metternich isolated from 1830. It helped to shift the balance of power
from Vienna to London. This partly explains why there was increased opposition to Metternich's
influence in Europe from 1830 -1848.
7. Oppression and suppression of the masses
The 1830 revolutions had disastrous consequences in areas where the revolutionaries failed to
succeed.
Oppressive policies were adopted to safeguard the re-emergence of further revolutionary
movements.
Metternich oppressed the Italians and Germans more by tightening his conservative and anti-liberal
policies e.g. press censorship, imprisonment and exile of liberals, spy network and use of force.
Tsar Nicholas I abolished freedom of press and parliament in Poland. He forcefully took polish
children for military training in Russia. He went ahead to close the University of Warsaw and
turned the entire city of Warsaw into a military garrison. It should be noted that severe suppression
and militarism in the aftermath of the revolutions forced hundreds of Italians, Germans and Poles
into exile especially in Western Europe and America.
Positive effects
8. Success of the revolutions in France and Belgium
The revolutions in France and Belgium succeeded and the revolutionaries were able to take power
from conservative and despotic leaders. This strengthened the forces of liberalism and nationalism
not only in France and Belgium but also all over Europe. However, the revolutions in Poland,
Spain, Italian and German states failed to succeed. The revolutions in Poland were suppressed by
Russian troops while those of German and Italian states were crushed by Austrian and local
royalists.
9. Success of the Greek war of independence
The success of the Greek war of independence was facilitated by the 1830 revolutions. The Greeks
started are rebellion against Turkey in 1821 and were still fighting by 1830. The outbreak of
revolutions in France, Belgium, Poland, Italian and German, states created more instability in
Europe that diverted the attention of European powers. This made the major powers of Europe
unable to oppose the Greek revolt and instead support the declaration of her independence in 1832
i.e. Britain, France and Russia.
10. Rise of new men and governments
The 1830 revolutions also led to the emergence of new men and governments in the politics of
Europe. In Belgium, an independent constitutional monarchy was established under the leadership
of Leopold Saxe-Coburg, as its first king. In France, the Orleans monarchy under the leadership
of Louis Philippe took over power after the success of the revolution. IPs also important to
acknowledge that the middle class who had been discriminated in French politics dominated key
positions in government. The failure of the revolution in Italian states led to the rise of Mazzini
who formed the young Italian movement to fight for Italian independence and unification.
11. Consolidation of constitutional liberal system of government
The revolution led to attainment of constitutional liberal system of government in Europe. In
France, the 1814 charter was revised in 1830 and thus the Orleans monarchy became a liberal
constitutional monarchy. Belgium was also declared a liberal constitutional monarchy with an
independent judiciary, elected parliament and executive. In Brunswick [a German state], Spain
and Portugal, the post revolutionary governments were forced to grant liberal constitutions. One
can therefore conclude that the 1830 revolutions consolidated the idea of constitutionalism in
Europe.
12. Exposed the weakness of the Vienna settlement
The revolutions undermined the credibility of the Vienna settlement and destroyed its
achievements. The settlement had undermined liberalism and nationalism in Belgium, Poland,
Italian and German states by imposing foreign rule. In France, the settlement underrated the
achievements of the French revolution and Napoleon by restoring the rule of the Bourbons.
However, the outbreak of the 1830 revolutions in these slates manifested that the Vienna settlement
was unrealistic in maintaining a lasting peace in Europe. The revolutions also helped to overturn
the bad arrangements of the settlement in Belgium and France. Even where the revolutions did not
succeed e.g. Italian and German states, the forces of liberalism and nationalism were strengthened,
which kept undermining the credibility of the settlement. This was shown when the restored
Bourbon monarchy was over thrown and Belgium separated from Holland.
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CHARACTERISTICS/COMMON FEATURES OF THE 1830 REVOLUTIONS
INEUROPE

The 1830revolutions in Europe occurred in France, Belgium, Poland, German stales, Italian states
etc.
They possessed similar characteristics in their causes, course and consequences.
1. The roots / origin of the 1830 revolutions can be traced back to the French revolution of
1789. The revolution came with the idea of liberty, equality and fraternity that inspired ItaU.ans,
Germans and Poles to rebel in 1830. They also used strategies and tactics adopted from the French
in 1789. Besides, the success of the 1830 revolutions in France also moral boosted these states to
revolt in 1830.
2. The revolutions were also caused by the unrealistic Vienna settlement of 1815. The
settlement imposed foreign rule on the Belgians, Italians and Germans. It also restored the
unpopular bourbon rule in France. These brought bitter resentment that flared up into
1830revolutions.
3. The revolutions were either liberal or nationalistic in nature. The revolutionaries revolted
in demand for liberal reforms and independence or liberal reforms only. In France, they demanded
for liberal reforms only because they were already independent. In Belgium, Poland, Italian and
German states the revolutionaries needed liberal reforms as well as independence.
4. The timing and spread of the 1830 revolutions provides some similarities. The revolutions
broke out in the same year i.e. 1830 and those that failed were suppressed by the end of 1830. It
started from France in Feb. 1830 and spread to other states.
5. Foreign intervention is yet another feature that characterized the 1830 revolutions in
Europe. Britain and France sent their troops to assist the Belgians in 1831.They were also
influential in proclaiming Belgium as an independent and neutral state by 1832. On the other hand,
Russian troops crushed Polish revolution by the end of 1830. In Italian and German states, Austrian
troops were used to quell the revolutions.
6. The revolutions were based in the urban centers. The rural dwellers played little role in the
revolutions.
Urban towns like Paris in France, Berlin and Brunswick in the German states, Milan in Piedmont
and
Warsaw in Poland became the base for mobilization and fighting by the revolutionaries. This was
because urban centers had the greatest impact of industrial revolution. Above all, the workers,
middle class and intellectuals were the residents of such towns.
7. The 1830 revolutions were led by intellectuals and middle classmen. They included
lawyers, journalists, teachers and university students. For instance, Adolph Theirs, Lafayette,
Lamar tine etc. led the revolution in France. Mazzinni, Gilbert and Garibaldi co-coordinated the
rebellion in Italian states. University students in German states and Poland provided leadership to
the revolutionaries.
8. Apart from the revolutions in Belgium and France, the other revolutions failed to achieve
their main objectives. The Italians, Germans, poles and Spaniards were all quelled down by 1831.
They failed to dislodge foreign rule and were persecuted there after the revolutions were quelled
down.
9. The 1830 revolutions were also characterized by heavy bloodshed, destruction of property
and exile to thousands of people. The counter revolutionary measures by the existing governments
led to loss of thousands of lives and self-exile of key suspects e.g. Mazzini and Garibaldi in Italian
states.
10. The desperate socio-economic conditions coupled with the side effects of industrial
revolutions were similar factors that caused the outbreak of the 1830 revolutions in Europe.
Famine, poverty, inflation, unemployment, poor working conditions, income inequality, unfair
taxation system and corruption were problems that the pre-revolutionary governments failed to
settle. These were issues that drove the French, poles, Italians, Germans and Belgians to take a
revolutionary stand in 1830.
11. Other than Belgium, the revolutions occurred in less industrialized countries with poor
economies. Countries like France, Poland, Italian and German states were agrarian/ agricultural
with poor economies. This explains why the problems of poverty, inflation, famine,
unemployment etc. were so profound that the revolutions became inevitable by 1830. On the other
hand, Britain survived because of her strong economy and industrial base.
THE 1830 BELGIAN REVOLUTION

The Belgian Revolution refers to political, social and economic changes that occurred in Belgium
from 1830 - 1839. It was a triumph of Belgian Liberalism and Nationalism over despotic and
conservative forces of Europe. The root cause of this revolution can be traced to the Vienna
settlement of 1815. In
1815, the Vienna peacemakers forcefully amalgamated Belgium with Holland to form the kingdom
of Netherlands, as a defense barrier against further aggression from France. The other aim of the
Vienna peacemakers was to punish the Belgians for supporting Napoleon and reward Holland for
not siding with him. This is why the new state of Netherlands was dominated by Dutch from top
to the bottom positions.
The above arrangement was unviable (unworkable) due to historical, cultural, religious, linguistic
and Economic differences between the Belgians and the Dutch. The Belgians did not approve and
indeed protested this forceful combination and domination of their motherland by the Dutch. This
forceful combination together with the unrealistic policies pursued by the Dutch against the
Belgians made the outbreak of the 1830 revolution inevitable.
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CAUSES OF THE REVOLUTION:

The circumstances that led to the outbreak of the Belgian Revolution of 1830 can be categorized
into political, economic, social -cultural and religious factors:
POLITICAL FACTORS
1. The unrealistic Vienna Settlement/Nationalism
The Vienna Settlement of 1815 was primarily responsible for the outbreak of the Belgian
revolution. The settlement forced Belgium to combine with Holland to form the kingdom of
Netherlands as a bull – work against further French aggression. The Dutch were made to dominate
the government because the peacemakers were suspicious that Belgium was an ally of Napoleon.
This forceful union was unworkable because of historical, social, cultural, linguistic and economic
differences between the Belgians and their Dutch masters. It was protested by Belgian liberals and
nationalists, which explains why they mobilized the Belgians to revolt by 1830. To this extent one
can argue that the Belgian revolt was a nationalistic protest aimed at restoring the lost glory and
independence of the Belgians. •
2. Unfair parliamentary system
Unfair parliamentary representation was an issue that was responsible for the outbreak of the
revolution.
The Belgians who were 3.5 million were made to have equal representatives with the Dutch who
were only 2 million. This was undemocratic and unfair to the Belgians who deserved more seats
in the parliament on account of their population. The Parliament itself met in Hague (Holland)
than Brussels (Belgian). Worst of all the Belgian MPs were government officials who could not
oppose King William's unfair policies against the Dutch. This made the parliament to pass and
sustain anti- Belgian policies, which made the Belgians to resort to a revolution as the only solution
to their grievances.
It should be noted that unfair parliamentary system is the reason why the Netherlands constitution
favoured the Dutch at the expense of the Belgians. The Belgians enjoyed lesser rights and had
more duties towards the state than their Dutch counterparts (according to the constitution). For
instance, the Belgians were unfairly treated at the courts of law compared to the Dutch.
3.Domination of Administrative positions
The monopolization of public offices by the Dutch was a source of concern that made the Belgians
to revolt. King William, the president of the Kingdom was himself a Dutch, At one time 6 out of
7 cabinet ministers were Dutch, 30 out of 39 ambassadors were Dutch, 1,800 out of 2,000 army
officers were Dutch and all the 9 Generals were Dutch. This political marginalization and prejudice
against the Belgians made the Belgians to revolt in a bid-to set up an independent state and manage
their own affairs.
4. Press censorship
Press censorship was another cause of the Belgian revolution of 1830. The Belgian newspapers,
articles, journals etc were severely censored while those of the Dutch were being published without
any restriction.
It was feared that the Belgians would use their press to criticize the Dutch discriminative policies
against the Belgians. This irritated Belgian Liberals, journalists, writers and editors who
spearheaded the revolution in 1830.
5. The influence of French Revolutionary Ideas and the support of the French men
The spread of French revolutionary ideas of equality, liberty, fraternity and nationalism also
contributed to the outbreak of the Belgian revolt. These ideas made the Belgians whose problems
were to some extent similar to those of the Frenchmen (before 1789) to rebel against their Dutch
oppressors. Moreover, the Frenchmen supported the Belgians to regain their independence, which
would-weaken the barrier created to the N.E. and provide opportunity for annexing Belgium to
France. This is why Tailyrand, other French radicals and Louis Philippe gave indirect assistance
to the Belgians. All these encouraged the Belgians to start the revolution with hopes of foreign
assistance from France.
6. The success of the French Revolution of18S0 and influence of external Events
The success of the French Revolution of 1830 against the Bourbon monarchy under the leadership
of Charles x inspired the Belgians to revolt. Although the Belgians were opposed to Dutch
domination, they could not rise up against the Dutch. This was due to the fear of Troppau protocol
through which Austria, Russia and Prussia had vowed to suppress revolutions throughout Europe
and maintain the Vienna settlement. However, when the French revolted successfully in 1830 and
there was no intervention from neither the Vienna powers nor the Troppau powers, the Belgians
were moral boosted to demonstrate against Dutch domination at opera house which climaxed into
the revolution. This is because the French success was a practical example of how the Vienna
settlement had out lived it usefulness and exposed it s vulnerability.
On the other hand, the Belgians were moral boosted by other external events in the Austrian Empire
and
America. In these areas oppressed nationalities like Italians, Germans and Brazilians were
violently struggling to regain their freedom and independence. This encouraged the oppressed
Belgians to wage a similar struggle, which led to the revolt.
7. The Downfall of the congress system.
The collapse of the congress system by 1830 also inspired the Belgians into the revolution. It
should be noted that the congress system was to maintain the Vienna settlement, which had forced
the amalgamation of Belgium with Holland. The Belgians were thus threatened by the congress
powers who were bound to intervene to crush any movement against the Vienna settlement.
However, the congress system collapsed by 1830 and there was no spirit of togetherness in
defending the settlement. The Belgians used this as a, golden opportunity to revolt and regain their
freedom and independence.
8. The Role of Polignao
The rise and role of Belgian revolutionary leader Polignao was influential in the outbreak of the
revolution. Polignao condemned the discriminative, exploitative and oppressive policies of the
Dutch against the Belgians, which inspired the Belgians with revolutionary emotions. Polginao's
role in criticizing Dutch administration, planning for the revolt and mobilizing support from
foreign agitators most especially the French, made the outbreak of the revolt inevitable.
ECONOMIC FACTORS
9. Free trade policy / laissez fare Economy
The Belgians were disappointed by Leopold's economic policy, which favoured the Dutch
economy at the expense of their economy. Belgium was an industrialized state and Holland was
basically an agricultural and sea faring state. The Belgians therefore wanted a protectionist policy
to safeguard their infant industries from foreign competition. The Dutch under Leopold's
leadership preferred and pursued a free trade policy, which was intended to avail the Dutch cheap
manufactured goods and food staff. It should be stressed that this Leissez fare policy led to the
influx of superior and cheap foreign goods that out competed the Belgian products. This was
resented by Belgian middle class, businessmen and traders who were experiencing serious losses
and closed factories. It caused inflation, unemployment, famine and starvation, which forced the
Belgians to rebel for their freedom in 1830.
10. Unfair taxation system
Unfair taxation system also prompted the Belgian revolution of 1830. The Belgians revolted due
to heavy and unnecessary taxes that were imposed on them. They were angered by the imposition
of new taxes on flour and meat in 1821 whose benefits they never saw. The most annoying was
that bread, which was their staple food, was over taxed and yet potatoes, which was the Dutch
staple food was never taxed. This made bread very expensive, increased the cost of living, reduced
the standard of living and disposable income of the Belgians in favour of the Dutch. It was these
deplorable conditions due to indiscriminate tax policy that made the Belgians to rebel against their
Dutch oppressors and exploiters.
11. Payment of National Debt
The Belgians were irritated by an arrangement, which subjected them to pay half of the total debt
of the kingdom, some of which were incurred before the union. This was unfortunate because
Holland had a heavier debt burden than Belgium. The imposition of a uniform tax to meet this debt
burden was resisted by the Belgians. They considered foreign domination as a root cause to unfair
exploitative policies and revolted in 1830.
SOCIAL - CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS FACTORS
12. Language Difference
King William's introduction of Dutch as a national and official language in 1822 also caused the
revolution. This was against the Belgians who wanted French (which they spoke) to be used as an
alternative language. It should be emphasized that employment in public offices and official
communications were to be in Dutch. This frustrated the Belgians who regarded this as an abuse
and caused the 1830 revolution.
13. Religious Differences
Religious difference between the Belgians and the Dutch was a long-term factor that contributed
to the revolt. The Belgians were Catholics while the Dutch were Protestants. But because the
leadership of the kingdom was dominated by the Dutch, Protestant religion was made the state
religion. Protestants were favoured in appointments, recruitment and promotion in public offices
against Catholics. This forced the Belgian Catholic religious leaders to criticize the union
government and influence the outbreak of the revolution. The fact that the revolution was started
when conservative Belgian Catholics allied with the liberals is a clear testimony that religion was
one cause of the rebellion.
14. Education control
Conflict between the Dutch and Belgians over control of Education also precipitated the outbreak
of the 1830 Belgian revolution. Before the union, Education in Belgium was controlled by the
church, which the Belgian Catholics wanted to maintain. However, after the union, the Dutch
dictated and education was put under state control, which means that Catholic schools were
indirectly given to Protestant administrators.
These administrators made Dutch language to be compulsory in schools and allocated more
resources for the development of Protestant schools to the annoyance of Belgian Catholics. All
these injustices were unacceptable to the Belgian Catholics and the clergy. It made them to think
of their own state where they would manage their schools, which made them to spear head the
revolution.
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IMPACT/SIGNIFICANCE OF THE BELGIANREVOLUTION
The Belgian revolution had positive and negative impacts on the political, social and economic
structures of Belgium as well as Europe.
Positive impact
1. The Belgians succeeded in regaining their independence. The Belgians fought and repelled
Dutch invasion several times. This made King William to bow to pressure from Britain and France
to recognize Belgian independence by 1839. It led to the emergence of a new Belgium that was
independent on the map of Europe. On the other hand, this practically ended Dutch exploitative,
oppressive and discriminative rule over the Belgians.
2. Belgium was declared neutral in the London conference of 1839 by the big powers. This
was because France and Russia had hidden ambitions to dominate Belgium. Besides, the Vienna
powers were afraid of war amongst themselves over Belgium, which was bound to cause a major
war in Europe.
This is why Belgium was declared independent and neutral. This stayed in force until it was
violated by Germany in 1914, which forced Britain to declare war on Germany.
3. Belgium was declared a constitutional monarchy with Leopold SaxeCoburg as it’s first
King. The new constitution had 18 articles, which was non discriminative and emphasized equality
of all by nature. The constitution established an independent constitutional monarchy with an
executive, elected parliament and an independent judiciary. This made Belgium to be accepted
and recognized within the ranks of the big powers of Europe.
4. It promoted the development and industrialization of Belgium. The declaration of Belgian
independence and neutrality freed her from Dutch exploitation and oppression, which favoured
economic development.
Belgium became free to adapt a protectionist policy and safeguarded her infant industries from
foreign competition. This turned Belgium into the second most industrialized nation in Europe
before the unification of Germany.
5. The Belgian independence was a triumph for the forces of liberalism and nationalism over
reactionary and conservative forces in Europe. The new forces of liberalism and nationalism were
ushered in by the French revolution of 1789. From then onwards there was a struggle between the
new forces and the old forces of conservatism led by Metternich. The success of the revolution
undermined the role of conservative aristocrats like Metternich and contributed to their downfall.
6. The revolt promoted European diplomacy at the time when it was on the verge of total
collapse. The revolution created a crisis that necessitated European powers to come together and
settle it. It led to the calling of the London conference of 1839, which was to find a final settlement
to the revolution in Belgium. This led to the revival of European diplomacy and created a spirit
that partly led to the calling of the 1840 and 1841 London conferences.
7. The success of the revolution increased British involvement and 'influence in European
and Belgian affairs. British influence in Belgian affairs increased because Leopold Soxe - Coburg
was a relative to the queen of Britain, Britain used the revolt as an opportunity to change the
balance of power from Vienna to London. This was one of the issues that made Britain to call the
London conference and champion Belgian independence and neutrality.
8. The Greek war of independence was facilitated by the outbreak of the Belgium revolution.
The Greek revolt started way back in 1821 and by 1830, the Greeks were still fighting for their
freedom. However, the outbreak of the Belgian revolt apart from creating more instabilities in
Europe, diverted the attention of European powers. This favoured the success of the Greek war of
independence by 1832.
9. The Belgian revolution contributed to the outbreak of subsequent revolutions in Europe. It
discredited the Vienna settlement and provided a practical example of how freedom and
independence could be attained.
This inspired the outbreak of the 1830 revolutions in Poland and Italy, 1848 Revolutions in Europe
and the Russian Revolution of 1917. These revolutionary movements took the challenge and
example from the Belgian revolution of 1830. Such revolutions directly and indirectly led to
political, social, economic and religious reforms in different parts of Europe. Negative impact
10. There was massive loss of life and destruction of property. The Belgian revolutionaries
became rowdy and destroyed important places like opera house. On the other hand. King William
II sent Dutch forces that frequently attacked and fought Belgian revolutionaries. These led to loss
of lives and destruction of property.
11. The revolution had negative consequences on the growth and development of Holland.
Before the evolution, Holland exploited the Belgians and depended on her industrial products for
her prosperity, however, the revolution terminated her exploitation and dependence on Belgian
industries, which impacted negatively on her economy. Besides, Dutch invasions and wars on
Belgium had short run effect of contributing to economic decline.
12. The protectionist policy adopted in the aftermath of the revolution had negative impact on
economies of Europe in the short run. It undermined international trade between Belgium and
other European powers.
Nevertheless, in the long run Belgium industrialized and her Economy improved. European
countries benefited by buying superior quality and cheap manufactured products from Belgium.
13. The revolution led to antagonism amongst European powers. It created a strong enmity
between Belgium, Britain and France on one hand against Holland, Austria, Prussia and Russia on
the other hand.
This was because Britain and France supported the revolution which was opposed by Austria,
Prussia and Russia.
14. The revolt violated the Vienna settlement and led to the total collapse of the congress
system. It denounced and discredited the Vienna settlement showing that it was unrealistic in an
attempt to create a lasting peace in Europe. This was shown in 1831 when France and Britain who
were the signatories of the settlement supported the revolution, which was opposed by other
powers. Besides, this undermined the concert of Europe and led to the total collapse of the congress
system.
15. The revolt undermined the popularity of Louis Philippe and contributed to his downfall by
1848. The Frenchmen wanted Louis Philippe to assist the Belgians who had offered the throne to
Louis Philippe's son. However, Philippe declined to support the Belgians because of the fear of
reactions from the great powers. This disappointed the glory seekers, Liberals, Catholics and
Bonapartists who criticized and undermined his government. Even when Louis Philippe allied
with Britain and Belgium against Holland in
1831, they still criticized him for being a stooge of Palmer stone and Britain. All these created
circumstances that contributed to the downfall of Louis Philippe in 1848.
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REASONS FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE BELGIAN REVOLUTION

The Belgian Revolution was a significant victory of Belgian liberalism and nationalism against
Dutch domination and conservative forces in Europe. The Belgians succeeded in establishing an
independent and neutral state that was guaranteed by the London conference of 1839. The Belgian
success was due to social, political and economic factors within and outside Belgium.
1. The Downfall of the congress system was a blessing in disguise that contributed to the
success of the Belgian revolution. It should be noted that the revolution was a violation of the
Vienna settlement, which was to be defended by the congress system. However, the collapse of
the congress system by 1830 left the powers divided and destroyed the spirit of togetherness in
preserving the Vienna settlement. This is partly why there was no intervention against the
revolution, which made it to succeed.
2. The role of France and Louis Philippe was significant in the success of the revolution. A
number of French agitators supported the revolution with the hope of weakening the barrier created
against France and annexing Belgium to France. This made Palmer stone who never wanted
French annexation and influence in Belgium to caution and frustrate Louis Philippe from
suppressing the revolution. It made Louis Philippe to withdraw his son's choice over Belgian
throne in favour of Leopold Saxe-Coburg. This reduced tension between Britain and France to the
advantage of Belgian revolutionaries.
Besides, Louis Philippe's non interventionist foreign policy frustrated his opponent's (opposition
in France) attempt to annex Belgium, which favoured quick mobilization of the Belgians against
the Dutch. It should be stressed that the French troops played a crucial role in repulsing the Dutch
invasion of 1831, which determined the success of the revolution.
3. Britain played the most significant role in the success of the Belgian revolution. The Whig
government in Britain was sympathetic to the Belgian cause and never wanted any intervention,
which was bound to jeopardize British commercial and strategic interests in Belgium. This is why
Palmer stone pressurized Louis Philippe not to suppress the revolution. It indirectly explains why
Britain authorized Louis Philippe in 1831 to intervene and protect the Belgian revolution against
Dutch invasion. It should be noted that Louis Philippe would not have done so if it was not for
Palmer stone's will and authority. It was the same Palmer stone of Britain who called the London
conference in 1839 that finally guaranteed Belgian independence and neutrality.
4. The success of the revolution was also due to unity and strength of Belgian nationalism. It
was a mass movement that included the middle class, traders, peasants, clergy, intellectuals, civil
servants and soldiers. There were no collaborators or betrayers and everyone was ready to fight
for freedom and independence. This was partly why the great powers especially Britain and France
instead of suppressing the movement, helped the Belgians to succeed in setting an independent
and neutral state.
5. Genuine grievances also account for the success of the Belgian revolution. The Belgians
were struggling against the Vienna settlement, which had unrealistically imposed Dutch control
over them. This was worsened by Dutch exploitative rule. Even after 1830, the Dutch displayed
ruthlessness when they invaded Belgium in 1831, where they caused unjustifiable destruction and
killings of the Belgians. This brutal act installed a lot of fear and doubts to the great powers as to
what the Dutch were prepared to do should they regain Belgium. This partly made Britain and
France to assist the Belgians in their struggle for freedom.
6. The defeat of Dutch invasion in 1831 determined the success of the Belgian
revolutionaries. King William refused to accept the Belgian independence that was declared in
1830 and sent Dutch troops to suppress the movements, with hopes of regaining control. However,
his efforts were rendered fruitless when French troops and the British navy allied with Belgian
troops and defeated the Dutch troops. Had Holland succeeded in this war; she would have regained
control of Belgium and the Belgian independence would have been delayed.
7. the strength of Belgian economy was also responsible for the success of the revolution.
Belgium was an industrialized nation with a strong economy while Holland was a poor agricultural
and sea faring nation.
Belgian's strong economy made her able to train, arm, maintain and motivate a big army that
defeated Dutch forces and defended the revolution. It should be noted that Belgian's strong
economy is what made her to sustain the struggle until 1839 when she was declared free and
neutral.
8. The size of Belgian population was one reason that contributed to the success of the
revolution. The Belgians were 3.5 million while the Dutch were only 2million. This means that
the Belgians were able to mobilize more resources and men than their Dutch masters. This more
resources and men explains why the Belgians succeeded against the Dutch.
9. The success of the Belgian revolution was also due to Belgian's military superiority over
their Dutch masters. The Belgians had a bigger army, well motivated, better armed and more
determined than the Dutch troops. This explains why the Belgians (although assisted by French
troops and British navy in 1831) were able to repulse Dutch invasion and remain free.
10. The declaration of Belgian as an independent constitutional monarchy rather than a
republic facilitated the success of the revolution. This was a wise decision that made European
powers not to oppose the revolution. Otherwise, had the revolutionaries declared a republican
government, European powers would have intervened and crushed it. This is because European
powers knew republican governments in Europe as a source of instability.
11. The 1831 constitution excluded King William from the throne. It embraced the principle
of equality and was all inclusive, non partisan and non discriminative. The constitution provided
for a government with an elected parliament, an executive and an independent judiciary.
Generally, the constitution was better than the French and similar to those of Britain and U.S.A.
This is part of the reason why Belgians and western powers accepted and recognized the
revolutionary government.
12. The outbreak and success of previous revolutions in Europe also account for the success
of the Belgian revolution. For instance, the French success in 1789 and 1830 morale boosted the
Belgians, even those who were initially reluctant to join the revolt. One must emphasis that the
1830 revolution in France, Poland, Italy and the Greek war of independence diverted the attention
of European powers that would have assisted the Dutch. For instance, Austria and Russia were
tied to suppressing the revolts in Italy and Poland respectively. These were events that favoured
the success of the Belgian revolution.
13. Lastly, the London conference of 1839 was a Land mark for the success of the Belgian
revolution. The London treaty guaranteed the independence and neutrality of Belgium, which was
recognized by the great powers as well as Holland. Besides, the treaty clearly defined the
boundaries of Belgium and her neighbours like Holland. For instance, she retained Antwerp and
the western part of Luxemburg. All these made the Belgian revolution an international issue and
put her on the map of Europe as an independent and neutral state.
THE 1830 JULY REVOLUTION IN FRANCE.
The 1830 July Revolution was skillfully and successfully manufactured in Paris from which the
Orleans monarchy under Louis Philippe rose to power. The revolutionaries (especially Lafayette
and Tallyrand) planned to, establish a constitutional monarchy of the British type with Louis
Philippe as a constitutional King.
Louis Philippe was born in 1773 to Philippe who was a cousin of Louis XVI. He had a
revolutionary background. His father (Philippe Egalite) had voted for the death of his own cousin
Louis XVI in 1793. Philippe was a member of the Orleans monarchy that supported the French
revolution of 1789. He was also a member of the Jacobins club and had fought in the revolutionary
wars up to 1793.
However, he was suspected to be a traitor and so he fled from France and visited various parts of
Europe and America including southern Europe, Sicily, the United States, England and later
Switzerland where he worked as a tutor.
After the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy in 1815, Louis Philippe came back to France. He
regained his hereditary estate, stayed in the village for some time and entered the chamber of peers.
Although he was a noble, Philippe did not identify himself with the Bourbons as he was opposed
to their unrealistic policies. Instead, he associated himself with the middle class and workers of
Paris whom he correctly judged to be politically very useful. He made them aware of his liberal,
democratic and republican principles.
When the 30th July 1830 revolution succeeded, there was a political vacuum and Philippe was the
only person seen as capable of handling French affairs without tampering with the interest of the
common man.
He had declared his support for the new government. He was duly elected by the chamber of
deputies in July 1830 and was declared king of France on 7th August 1830. Louis Philippe was the
first elected king in the history of France with a democratic and high sounding title, King of the
people with the grace of God, which was later supplemented with the words and by the will of the
people, Philippe was to rule as a constitutional monarch with the help of a parliament. He accepted
to rule as a constitutional King without reservations.

LOUIS PHILLIPE /ORLEANS MONARCHY.

He rose to power in 1830 after the collapse of the restored Bourbon Monarchy.
FACTORS FOR THE RISE OF LOUIS PHILIPE IN POWER.
1. Revolutionary Background
Louis Philippe had a revolutionary background that became a political asset for his rise to power
in 1830. His father had supported the French revolution of1789 and had even voted for the death
of his own cousin, Louis XVI in 1793. In 1789, Louis Philippe at a tender age of 16 was already a
member of the Jacobin club. He participated in the French revolution and physically fought in the
revolutionary wars up to 1793. For instance, he fought against Austria and the Royalists at the
battle of Jemappes in 1792. This made him the only hope for the middle class, peasants and
workers whose interest was jeopardized by the restored Bourbon monarchy hence they voted him
to power.
2. Weaknesses of the restored Bourbons
The Bourbon monarchy had outlived its usefulness as early as 1789. From 1815 when it was
restored, it was too unpopular and survived on the support of external powers. Louis XVIII and
Charles X pursued very unrealistic policies and tried to resurrect the pre -1789 socio-political and
economic order that the Frenchmen never wished to see. The Frenchmen wanted a democratically
elected King who would be answerable to the people, hence the title "King of the French by the
grace of God and the will of the people". This made the restored Bourbon monarchy very
unpopular, triggered the outbreak of the 1830 revolution and paved way for the rise to power of
Louis Philippe.
3. The success of the 1830 revolution in France
The success of the 1830 revolution in France was a landmark in the rise of
Louis Philippe and Orleans monarchy to power. The 1830 revolutionaries (Louis Philippe
inclusive), staged a massive demonstration that climaxed in the overthrow of the Bourbon
monarchy. The success of the revolution created a political vacuum that led to Louis Philippe's
rise to power in 1830. If the revolution had failed, Louis Philippe would either be imprisoned,
executed or exiled having supported the revolution. Thus, the success of the revolution gave him
an open chance to rise to power in 1830.
4. His personality
Louis Philippe had a unique and humble character that won him the support of the common man.
Philippe had a simple life style, for example he lived principally on soup, walked on streets with
no bodyguards, carried his own umbrella, went shopping himself and saved his beards himself.
Such personality made him to be very popular amongst the workers and peasants who were fed up
with the luxurious lifestyles of the previous kings. Consequently, they overwhelmingly voted him
to the chamber of deputies from which he was finally voted to power.
NB. It was the long period of exile and poverty that taught Philippe to be economical and lead a
simple lifestyle.
5. Personal relations with revolutionary leaders
Besides, Louis Philippe had a strong solidarity with the leaders of the 1830 July revolutions. He
had a good personal relationship with Lafayette, Adolph Thiers, Lamar tine and Tallyrand who
were the brains behind the success of the 1830 revolution. It's on record that Philippe openly
embraced and kissed Lafayette on 3th July 1830 when the success of the revolution was very clear.
This increased his popularity most especially amongst the republicans under the leadership of
Lafayette. Adolph cheirs, a reputable journalist and politician was a very serious mobiliser and
campaign agent of Louis Philippe. On 30th July 1830, he flooded Paris with placards of Louis
Philippe, which popularized him and paved way for his rise to power.
6. His Association with the middle class
By 1830, France had the largest middle class in Europe that comprised of about 29% of the total
population. Philippe was not slow at exploiting this to his advantage. He associated with the middle
class, mixed freely amongst them and identified himself with middle class interests as early as
1815 (when he returned from exile). This made him to be a favourite and familiar candidate to the
middle class and the peasants who are always influenced by the middle class. This also explains
why he won the election that brought him to power in the chamber of deputies because it was
dominated by the middle class. Had it not been for the votes of the middle class who were the
majority in the chamber of deputies, the story of Louis Philippe's rise to power would have been
different.
7. Effects of industrial revolution and support of workers
The negative effects of industrial revolution gained Louis Philippe the support of workers. The
industrial revolution had by 1830 encroached into France. It came with socio-economic evils like
unemployment, exploitation of workers by capitalists inform of low payments for long hours of
work, poor sanitation and child labour. The working class in France was living a very horrible life
compared to their colleagues in Britain where conditions were far better. Louis Philippe promised
to improve their housing and working conditions, which made the workers to solidly rally behind
(support) him, hence his rise to power.
8. Unpopularity of Republicanism
Unpopularity of Republicanism in France and Europe contributed to the rise of Louis Philippe to
power. After the success of the 1830 revolution, republicans tried to establish a republican
government in France. They set up a provisional government under the leadership of Lafayette at
Hotel de
Ville.
However, republicanism was only popular in Paris and did not have a nationwide popularity
(outside Paris). It faced opposition from moderate royalists, liberals and monarchical powers like
Russia and Austria. Moderate royalists and liberals argued that, the establishment of a republic in
France would provoke the hostility of monarchial powers of Europe and gave their support to
Louis Philippe as a constitutional monarch. The fear of great powers' reaction also made republican
leaders like Lafayette and Adolph Thiers to give up and support Louis Philippe who was presented
and accepted as a citizen King.
9. Influence of constitutionalism
By 1830, France was fed up with absolutism (despotism) and had great admiration for
constitutionalism. Charles X had declared the 1814 constitutional charter null and void and ruled
autocratically. The Frenchmen therefore wanted a constitutional monarchy of the British type.
Fortunately, Louis Philippe's exile in England had widened his knowledge of constitutional
monarchy that the Frenchmen badly needed. When he promised to rule France as a constitutional
state just like Britain, no one could doubt him on account of his experience hence paving way for
his election as a constitutional King in France.
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DOMESTIC POLICY OF LOUIS PHILIPPE (ORLEANS MONARCHY), 1830 - 1848

Louis Philippe's government was very unstable from 1830 - 1840. It was characterized by revolts,
strikes and demonstrations. These were master minded by republicans who felt cheated in 1830
since they had played a leading role in the revolution of 1830. They had wanted a republican
government but had failed because of the fear of the possibility of war with other monarchial
governments in Europe. From 1830-1840, ten different chief ministers (prime ministers) held
office. Adolph Thiers was the last who resigned in 1840 because of dissatisfaction over Mehemet
All's affairs. From 1840 - 1848, Guizot's cabinet held power. His policies greatly contributed to
the downfall of Louis Philippe in 1848. The following were the achievements, failures and
weaknesses of Louis Philippe's domestic policies.
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Achievements and positive impact of Louis Philippe (Orleans monarchy) in France
1. Industrialization
Louis Philippe made commendable progress in the industrialization of France. His pro-middle
class and peaceful foreign policy attracted massive investment in the industrial sector from the
middle class.
Consequently, new machines were imported from England and new industries like wine, steel and
cotton ginning were established. Transport and communication networks were improved to
complement industrial progress. Many railway lines including the one from Paris to St.German
were also constructed to facilitate transportation of raw materials and finished products. By 1940,
France was the third most industrialized state in Europe. Industrialization created more
employment opportunities, improved the standard of living and promoted other sectors like
agriculture, trade and transport.
2. Trade
Louis Philippe under took special measures for the progress of trade. A network of roads, canals,
railways and harbours for docking of ships were constructed to promote export trade. He also
encouraged a free market economy and free trade with the rest of Europe. However, free trade
policy was dropped when it was realized that the French infant industries could not manage to
compete with superior British manufactured products. This forced Louis Philippe to resort to the
policy of protectionism that safeguarded infant industries in France and promoted economic
prosperity.
3. Education
In 1830, a law was passed to regulate education. Primary education was entrusted to the church.
However, government control over secondary and higher institutions was maintained. It was
compulsory to educate children about spiritual and social responsibilities. Louis Philippe also
encouraged free education and children were forbidden from any form of employment to avoid
child labour. His education policy produced useful citizens who steered the socio-economic and
political developments of France.
4. Religion
In the field of religion, Louis Philippe's government followed a policy of neutrality. He allowed
freedom of worship, which Charles x had undermined by making Catholicism a state religion. The
Concordat that Napoleon had signed with the pope was maintained and the government continued
to nominate Bishops and pay salaries of the clergy. In 1831, Judaism was put on an equal footing
with Christianity. The government began to pay the salaries of Jewish rabbis just as it paid the
protestant reverends and catholic priests. This promoted freedom of worship as opposed to
religious intolerance that was being propped up by the restored Bourbons.
5. Constitutionalism
Louis Philippe tried to rule as a constitutional monarch, which Charles x had discarded. He rose to
power in 1830 through the revised constitution of 1830. From 1830 up to 1840, Louis Philippe
ruled according to the provisions of the constitution. This includes fundamental human rights and
freedoms like freedom of speech, press, worship and association. He was assisted by a two
chambered parliament i.e. the chambers of peers and deputies. These transformed France from
absolute monarchy into a constitutional monarchy by 1840.
6. Restoration of the National Guard and the tri colour flag
Louis Philippe is credited for the restoration of the National Guard and the tri colour flag. The
National Guard that had been disbanded by Charles x in 1827 was reinstated and reorganized into
a disciplined national army. It was used to maintain internal stability and protect the territorial
integrity of France. The revolutionary tri colour flag that Charles x had discarded was restored as
the national flag. This was recognition of the French revolutionary changes, which 'harvested'
Louis Philippe support from the patriotic Frenchmen.
7. Political freedom
From 1830-1840, Louis Philippe granted political freedom. Many political groups surroimded him
with varied interests. Such were the Bonapartists, republicans, liberals, legitimists and socialists.
He allowed them to operate and granted political liberties like freedom of association, speech,
assembly, press etc. He also adopted the policy of Golden Mean in which he tried to follow a
middle path policy and satisfy all the parties. This promoted democracy, fundamental human rights
and freedoms like freedom of association and press.
8. Financial management
Louis Philippe is on record as the only King in the history of France who was most economical
with resources. His days in exile and the many years of poverty taught him a lesson to avoid
extravagancy and luxuries. He pursued a non-interventionist foreign policy partly to avoid wasting
human and financial resources. Similarly, he lived a simple life style like walking in the street with
no bodyguards and living principally on soup to avoid unnecessary expenses. Some historians have
argued that Louis Philippe's life style was an economic asset to France because it saved French
resources and enhanced economic progress.
NB: Louis Philippe's simple lifestyle became a political liability to him as it reduced his popularity
amongst the nobles and clergy who underrated him as not worthy to be a king.
9. Consolidation of power
Louis Philippe used repression to consolidate his power against internal opposition. There were
uprisings, demonstrations and coup attempts engineered by internal opposition i.e. the
Bonapartists, republicans, liberals, Catholics, royalists and socialists. However Louis Philippe
consistently used the National Guard and the police to suppress any oppositeion activities against
his government. For instance, from 1830-1835 he quelled down six uprisings in Paris, Lyon,
Lavandee and Marsailles. Louis Napoleon Ill's assassination attempt against Louis Philippe and
the coup attempts of 1836 and 1840 were foiled for which Louis Napoleon was imprisoned. These
helped to create internal stability that fostered economic development
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Weaknesses, Failure s and negative impact of Louis Philippe (Orleans
monarchy) in France

1) Side effects of Industrialization

Industrialization had negative effects on the welfare of peasant, workers and craft men. Machines
displaced many artisans and craft men rendering them jobless. The working class suffered low
payments or long of work, poor accommodation and sanitary conditions amongst others. There
was child labour where a kid of 5 years old could work for 16 hours a day. This led to the growth
of socialism under the leadership of Louis Blanc and Ledru Rollin. The socialists demanded for
immediate solution to unemployment and poor working condition. Louis Philippe kept a deaf ear
and a blind eye to the appalling conditions of the workers and the jobless craft men. It was therefore
not a surprise that the socialists mobilized the unemployed and the disgruntled workers through
reform banquests that climaxed into the 1848 revolution, which terminated Louis Philippe's reign.
2) The low Franchise (The right to vote)
Louis Philippe failed to democratize and liberalize French politics. Many French citizens were
disenfranchised because of the high tax and age qualification. When there was a massive demand
for reduction of taxes, Guizot his chief minister insisted that those who wanted to vote or be voted
should work hard, save money and qualify to vote. Consequently, the chamber of deputies was
dominated by the propertied middle class members whose wealth made them eligible to contest
i.e. they could afford the high, tax fee. This was undemocratic as it disenfranchised majority French
peasants and the poor from political representation.
3) Political repression and dictatorship
By 1840, Louis Philippe had drifted from his good intentions because of the growing opposition
and threats unleashed against him by the different political factions e.g. Bonapartists, liberals,
republicans etc. These factions had intensified criminal activities like strikes, demonstrations,
attempted coups and assassination attempt on the life of King Louis Philippe. Eventually, Louis
Philippe dropped the policy of Golden Mean and resorted to conservative, radical and reactionary
policies. For instance, in April 1834 he passed the law of association, which restricted the freedom
of association. He also imposed the law of discussion and banned the press in 1835. Those who
defied these laws suffered arrest, imprisonment, death and exile. Although these measures checked
the subversive activities of the opposition, it nevertheless brewed more political dissatisfaction
that led to the downfall of Louis Philippe in 1848.
4) Internal instability
Louis Philippe's repressive measures led to violent opposition and internal instability. The laws;
of association, discussion, ban on the press, arrest and imprisonment of the opposition provoked
uprisings,demonstrations and coup attempts from the Bonapartists, republicans, liberals and
socialists. For instance, from 1830-1835 there were six uprisings in Paris, Lyon, Lavandee and
Marsailles. In 1836 and 1840, there were assassination and coup attempts against Louis Philippe's
life and his regime. Although violence was contained from 1840onwards, they had nevertheless
led to lawlessness, death and loss of property.
5) The return of Napoleon's body
Louis Philippe's return of Napoleon's body in 1846 was a boomerang that contributed to his
downfall. To satisfy the revolutionaries and the Bonapartists, Louis Philippe requested to be given
Napoleon's body from St. Hellena, brought it to France and laid him in the most magnificent of
resting places at the Invalids. Some roads and streets were named after Napoleon. He further
decorated Versailles with pictures of revolutionary events and periods. However, this rekindled
the memories of Napoleon I's achievements and when the Frenchmen tried to compare it to Louis
Philippe's, they realized as Lamar time put it that "France was bored". It aroused Napoleonic
nostalgia and strengthened Bonapartism under the leadership of Louis Napoleon Bonaparte III, a
nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte III. Thus, the event boomeranged by reducing Louis Philippe's
popularity and conditioning his downfall by 1848.
6) Middle class/Bourgeoisie oriented policy
Louis Philippe pursued middle class oriented policies and programs at the expense of the
Frenchmen.
They monopolized key government positions and the National Guard. They also dominated the
chamber of deputies since they could afford the property qualification and were the only ones that
enjoyed freedom of discussion. The middle class were also aided with soft loans to boost their
investments and trade. All these were done against the conditions of workers and peasants that
deteriorated with industrial revolution.
Actually, Louis Philippe set up a government of the middle class, by the middle class and for the
middle class. His pre-occupation was the interest of the middle class and capitalists who were the
basis of his power and hence survival. His popularity was eventually confined to the middle class
and no wander that he fell in 1848 following desertion by the middle class after the Spanish
marriage in 1846. 7) Unrealistic Economic policy
Louis Philippe's labour policy was unfair to the working class. The government did not restrain the
middle class's exploitation and oppression in form of low payments, long working hours, poor
sanitation and accommodation. These led to poverty, famine, low standard of living and
unemployment. Poor sanitation and accommodation led to the outbreak of calamitous diseases like
cholera, typhoid, dysentery and death of some workers. Trade unions that the workers had formed
to voice their grievances were banned. Louis Philippe's labour policy accelerated exploitation and
oppression of workers by middle class industrialists.
The overall consequence was high income gap between the rich and the poor in France.
8) Corruption and embezzlement of funds
Corruption, bribery and embezzlement of funds characterized Louis Philippe's 18 years reign. The
middle class who dominated key government positions and the chamber of deputies made
corruption and bribery part of their lifestyle. Guizot, chief minister (1840-1848) rigged elections
and maintained a strong hold over the chamber of deputies through bribery and corruption in
awarding tenders. According to Karl Marx; Louis Philippe's government was like a joint stock
company which was using up national wealthy and whose profit was distributed between ministers,
members of the national assembly and limited voters.
The overall impact was lack of integrity in leadership, high income inequality and inadequate socio
economic developments i.e. education, health and transport.
9) Personality and character
Louis Philippe's humble personality and character was a personal weakness that reduced his
popularity.
The long years of poverty and hard life in exile made Louis Philippe to be too economical with
resources.
Consequently, he lived a very simple life style e.g. he walked freely on streets unguarded holding
a green umbrella, lit his own study fire and lived principally on soup. This made some sections of
the Frenchmen particularly the royalists and Bonapartists who were used to seeing their kings
living luxuriously to disown him as unworthy to be a king.
10) Inglorious foreign policy
Louis Philippe's inglorious foreign policy was a disappointment to the glory seekers, Bonapartists,
liberals, Catholics and revolutionaries. He pursued a non interventionist foreign policy in order to
avoid wastage of resources and conflicts with other powers like Britain. For example, he refused
to be moved by pressure from the liberals, Bonapartists and glory seekers to intervene in the 1830
revolutions in Belgium, Italian states and Poland not excluding the Syrian war of 1831 -184 1.
This made him to be regarded as a person who was incompetent of reactivating and consolidating
France's high status in Europe that had been established by Napoleon 1.
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FOREIGN POLICY OF LOUIS PHILIPPE

After his rise to power, Louis Philippe was immediately faced with a series of complicated
problems across the borders of France. There were political unrest and disturbances in some parts
of Europe right from 1830. The different political factions i.e. Bonapartists, republicans, liberals,
legitimists and Catholics expected and pressurized Philippe to intervene in such affairs and bring
glory for France. They wanted Louis Philippe to revive French military glory that was achieved
by Napoleon I but disappeared during the reign of the restored Bourbons.
Unfortunately, Louis Philippe was not bellicose (warlike), he was a man of peace who did not wish
to find himself in a hostile relationship with any of his neigbours. He therefore, pursued a peaceful,
cautious, unadventurous and often inglorious foreign policy. This was dictated by some
considerations; First he wanted to avoid war with the great powers of Europe who had fought and
defeated Napoleon I. This is because they were still suspicious of France as a distabiliser of peace.
Secondly, Philippe accurately realized that France had a different political ideology with despotic
Russia, Prussia and Austria except constitutional and liberal Britain. He therefore, forged a cordial
Franco-Anglo alliance where he took extracare not to antagonize the interest of Britain. This also
helped him not to antagonize the interest of the middle class who could not do without Britain
(as the workshop of Europe). Lastly, he was aware that although public opinion favoured war,
France was not yet militarily strong enough to engage in war.
It should be emphasized that Louis Philippe's inglorious foreign policy was a great disappointment
to the Frenchmen. This intensified internal opposition against his rule and by 1848 he was very
unpopular even to his legislators. For example, in an assembly session of1847 one member rose
up and shouted what have they done for the past 17years?Lamantine shouted back. Nothings
Nothing, Nothing, France is bored. This combined with his failure in domestic policy to cause
the 1848 revolutions that sent him to exile.
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ASPECTS OF LOUTS PHILIPPE'S FOREIGN POLICY

1. The Belgium Revolution (1830)

The Belgium revolution of1830 was an event that put Louis Philippe in a precarious position. The
various political groups wanted Philippe to assist the Belgians for various reasons. The
Bonapartists wanted Philippe to revive French military glory in Belgium that had once been under
Napoleon Bonaparte I. The republicans wished to establish a republican's government in Belgium.
The liberals were bent on destroying the 1815 Vienna settlement that had forced the Belgians under
Dutch administration. The Catholics hated the Dutch Protestants and preferred Catholic control of
education, press and state amongst others.
However, Louis Philippe knew very well that any assistance to the Belgians would be a violation
of the Vienna settlement to which France was a signatory. His intervention would provoke the
other four powers to declare war on him in accordance with the quadruple alliance that had pledged
to maintain by force for 20 years the territorial arrangements of Vienna. He therefore decided not
to assist the Belgians. This made him to be in good terms with other powers. In Dec 1830, the big
powers met in London over the Belgian question. After realizing the strength of Belgian
nationalism and the extent of Dutch mal-administration, they accepted the Belgium independence
but under some conditions and one was that Belgium should choose a king acceptable to the great
powers. The Belgians promptly offered the throne to Duke of
Nemours who was Louis Philippe's second son.
Britain openly opposed the choice and Louis Philippe turned down the offer in favour of Leopold
Soxe Coburg (a British choice) who was accepted by the Belgians out of their desire for freedom.
This was a diplomatic victory for Britain and a loss for France. He was criticized for bending too
low and promoting British supremacy over France. This offered a rallying ground for opposition
against him. However, Louis Philippe regained some prestige when other powers gave him
freedom to repel Dutch invasion, which he successfully accomplished in 1831. Nevertheless, he
was still accused of cowardice only to act when told to do so.
2. The1830revolution in Italy
Napoleon I s conquest and re-organization of Italy had instilled the spirit of nationalism amongst
the Italians. The Vienna settlement of1815 ignored this and instead gave Austria direct and indirect
influence over the Italian states. The Italians therefore rose in a revolt in 1830 against Metternich's
unfortunate policies. Austria began using force to suppress the revolutions and restore the ousted
kings. Italians and the liberals in France wanted Louis Philippe to give military assistance.
However, Louis Philippe as usual followed a cautious policy. He was not slow to declare that he
had no desire to clash with Austria over the situation in Italy.... my government is opposed to all
foreign intervention in the peninsular. This was a great disappointment to the liberals and
Bonapartists who viewed the revolution as a heaven sent opportunity to rekindle (revive) French
influence in Italy. They accused him of being too weak to revive French military glory in Europe.
3. The 1830 Revolution in Poland
The 1830 revolution in Poland was yet another event that put Louis Philippe in an awkward
situation. Like the Italians, Polish nationalism had been strengthened by Napoleon's conquest and
reorganization of the Grand Dutchy of Warsaw from 1807. This was tampered with at the Vienna
settlement of 1815 by the Great powers. Poland was shared as a wedding cake between Austria,
Prussia and Russia (greatest share).
Their desire for independence took them to the revolution in 1830. The liberals in France argued
Louis Philippe to support the Poles in their struggle. Aware of a possibility of fighting Austria,
Prussia and Russia, Louis Philippe refused to assist the Poles. So as early as 1830, the revolt died
down. Although he avoided war with the great powers, his popularity at home was undermined.
4. The Syrian question (1840)
Louis Philippe's peaceful foreign policy received a diplomatic blow over the Syrian question. In
the Greek war of independence, Mehemet Ali of Egypt had helped the Sultan of Turkey after being
promised territorial rewards amongst which was Syria. However, the Sultan did not keep his
promise and Mehemet Ali occupied Syria forcefully. The war was sparked off between Egypt and
Turkey over Syria. The French glory seekers led by Adolph Thiers argued Louis Philippe to extend
military support to Egypt.
They wanted to revive the Napoleonic tradition in Egypt and gain a valuable ally in the East for
commercial prosperity. Louis Philippe welcomed the ideas and sent French troops to fight
alongside Egypt against Turkey. It threatened other powers particularly Britain and Russia who
pledged to fight Mehemet Ali and his ally (France). This forced Louis Philippe to resort to his
usual policy of "do nothing" and withdrew the French soldiers. The 1840 London conference in
which France was not invited gave Egypt part of Syria. This intensified opposition against Louis
Philippe to the extent that his chief minister Adolph Thiers resigned his post. Even Louis Philippe
became so furious that he threatened Palmer stone with war. However, when Palmer stone took
the challenge and started to prepare for war, Philippe got so scared and backed down. This act
injured the national pride of France.
5. French imperialistic designs over Tahiti Island
In 1840, Louis Philippe conquered Tahiti one of the islands in the south pacific. This satisfied the
glory seekers and militants in France. However, Tahiti was so close to S. America where Britain
had built a commercial empire, so she threatened France to withdraw. As usual, Louis Philippe
withdrew the French troops from the island in 1843 in favour of Britain. This frustrated a large
section of the Frenchmen especially glory seekers who accused him of cowardice,
6. Control of Algeria
Algeria was colonized by France in 1830 under Charles X. When Louis Philippe came to power,
the liberals urged him to withdraw but Louis Philippe ignored them and consolidated French rule
in Algeria.
Charles X had occupied only the coastal areas with only 20.000 settlers. But Louis gradually
penetrated into the interior. However, Abdel Kader declared a jihad against the French. Philippe
sent General Bugeaud with about 100.000 troops who captured Abdel Kader in 1847 and
consequently the whole of Algeria. By 1848, the number of settlers had risen to about 100.000.
This was the beginning of the French colonial empire.
7.The 1846 Swiss Civil War
1846, a civil war erupted between Catholics and Protestants in Switzerland over the form of
government be adopted. The Protestants were secretly assisted by Britain and the Catholics
appealed for French resistance. The British foreign secretary Palmer stone outmaneuvered Philippe
by blindfolding him that was organizing a conference to settle the Swiss crisis. Indeed before the
conference sat, the Swiss Protestants had defeated the Catholics. The French Catholics felt
betrayed. They expected Philippe to resist Co-religionists/brothers in faith. However, Philippe was
conscious to note that it would antagonize Britain and the liberals at home. It made him to refuse
to support the Swiss Catholics. This disappointed the Catholics and glory seekers who accused
him of pursuing a boring foreign policy.
8. The Spanish marriage 1846
In 1846, Louis Philippe took a bold stand and registered some degree of success over Palmer stone.
Princess Isabella and her sister Infanta of Spain were still not yet married. Royalists were sought
from Europe to marry them. Britain and France were the most interested powers in providing
candidates to marry the two sisters. This was because of the possibility of providing a heir to the
Spanish throne since Spain was strategically located. So France and Britain agreed that Isabella
was to be married to Francisco Duke de Cadiz, a German Prince (favoured by Britain) and her
sister Infanta Maria was to get married to Duke de Montpensier, a French prince. However, it was
rumoured that the German prince was impotent and yet Infanta was not to marry the French prince
until Isabella was married and had children with the German prince.
Following the above discovery, Philippe and Guizot organised and celebrated the marriage of
Infanta on the same day (October 10th 1846) when Isabella got married to the German prince. This
was a triumph for Philippe, which so ably and so completely satisfied the glory seekers. However,
Palmer stone protested bitterly against the 'indirect influence' and the 'illegitimate methods' of
Louis Philippe. This was a blow to the AngloFrench diplomatic relationship. It deprived him of
the only ally and undermined his support from the middle class. This made Britain to just watch
Louis Philippe pack up for exile without raising any accusing finger in 1848.
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REASONS/FACTORS FOR THE DOWNFALL OF THE ORLEANS MONARCHY
AND LOUIS PHILIPPE

Right from 1830 when he was elected, Louis Philippe was surrounded by internal and external
problems.
This weaknesses in settling internal and external problems made his downfall inevitable by 1848.
It was largely his inglorious and non adventurous foreign policy that made his fall a foregone
conclusion .The reasons as to why Philippe fell from power are hereby discussed below:-
1. He was the first elected king in the history of France with the title by the grace of God and
will of the election. This meant that the Frenchmen could use their votes to unseat him if he went
contrary to their expectations. The revised 1830 constitution greatly reduced his powers. Amongst
others, he could not like special decrees, dissolve the parliament and the parliament was composed
of voted members who could even debate the budget. These made him a weak king with no proper
control over the social, political and economic affairs of France hence contributing to his downfall.
2. Louis Philippe was not the most popular politician at that time. He won election by a mere
majority of 219 votes out of430 members in the chamber of deputies. This meant that right from
the start he had a majority of 211 opposition members in the chamber of deputies. Even his election
was largely due to misconception rather than any concrete support for him. The liberals thought
that he would be a liberal king. The workers thought that the long years of poverty had taught him
a lesson of the need to alleviate poverty. The Bonapartists thought that he would revive Napoleon's
glory over Europe. Unfortunately, Louis Philippe had none of such in his political programs. Apart
from the middle class who were appeased up to 1846, the rest were disappointed and their
disappointment was displayed in the 1848 revolutions that sent Louis Philippe to exile.
3. Louis Philippe made a fatal mistake by over relying on the middle class who had elected
him. He pursued middle class oriented policies and programs at the expense of the Frenchmen.
The middle class dominated key government positions, the chamber of deputies, trade and were
granted soft loans for investment. The conditions of the workers and peasants that deteriorated
with industrial revolutions were ignored. His popularity was eventually confined to the middle
class. Unfortunately, the very middle class deserted him after the Spanish marriage in 1846. This
left him with almost no support and made him vulnerable to the revolution of 1848.
4. The rise and growth of socialism became a stumbling block to Louis Philippe's reign. The
worsening conditions of peasants and workers due to industrial revolution led to the rise of
socialism. The socialists condemned the bourgeoisie government of Louis Philippe and his
insensitivity to the plight of the workers.
Louis Blank demanded that the state must guarantee a living wage to all workers. He said; to the
able bodied citizens the state owes work, to the aged and infirm, it owes aid and Protection. The
socialist propaganda did a lot to add on the discontentment of the people. Socialist Propaganda
was more instrumental in the reform Banquet of 1848 through which Louis Philippe lost his power.
5. The return of Napoleon I's remains from St. Hellena to France was a boomerang that led
to the downfall of Louis Philippe. In 1846, Louis Philippe returned Napoleon's body and reburied
it at a place called Invalids. It provoked Napoleonic nostalgia as the Frenchmen remembered all
that Napoleon did for them.
Consequently, Napoleonic legend became very popular with the writings of Louis Napoleon who
was the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte. The result of Napoleonic legend was that Louis Philippe
became more unpopular with the Frenchmen who compared his achievements with those of
Napoleon Bonaparte and practically found nothing. This made him to be rejected by the
Frenchmen.
6. Louis Philippe's personality also undermined his popularity. Having experienced poverty
and hard life in exile, Philippe became obsessed with how to economize resources. He lived a very
simple life style, for instance he walked freely on streets unguarded, lit his own study fire and
lived principally on soup. This made some sections of the Frenchmen particularly the nobles and
clergy to disown him as not worthy to be a king. They were used to seeing their kings living
luxuriously. They therefore criticized his simple lifestyle and undermined his popularity.
NB His personality and character won him the admiration of the common people who viewed him
as a citizen king.
7. Louis Philippe's dictatorial tendencies strengthened his opponents and led to his downfall.
By 1848, he had censored the press and restricted people's liberty through the laws of discussion
and association. All kinds of people were thrown in prison for leading strikes, demonstrations and
revolts. However, prison life became one of the main breeding grounds for republican propaganda
and socialist ideas that blew Louis Philippe out of power in 1848. It should be stressed that Louis
Philippe's dictatorship was a violation of the revised 1830 constitution, which was a
disappointment to the Frenchmen who had trusted him as a leader who would revive
constitutionalism in France.
8. Internal political instability also contributed to the downfall of Louis Philippe and Orleans
monarchy.
Louis Philippe's unrealistic policies e.g. dictatorship, favouratism of the bourgeoisie and inglorious
foreign policy were used by the opposition to mobilize the masses in a series of uprisings,
demonstrations and coup attempts. For instance, from 1830-1835 there were six uprisings in Paris,
Lyon, Lavandee and Marsailles. In 1836 and 1840, there were assassination and coup attempts
against Louis Philippe's life and his regime. These undermined the credibility of the Orleans
Monarchy and denied it internal support. It should be emphasized that Louis Philippe's suppression
of violence by 1841 backfired as it strengthened the opposition and left them more united. This
explains why opposition e.g. the liberals, republicans, socialists etc coordinated and mobilized the
masses to over throw the Orleans monarchy of Louis
Philippe through the 1848 revolutions.
9. Corruption, bribery and embezzlement of funds also contributed to the downfall of Louis
Philippe. The middle class who dominated political, social and economic affairs of France were
very corrupt and took bribes shamelessly. Guizot, the chief minister (1840-1848) was too corrupt
to the extent that corruption became official government policy e.g. in awarding tenders and
bribing opposition members of the chamber of deputies. Corruption and embezzlement made the
government inefficient in provision of social services and incapable of addressing the challenges
of unemployment and poor working conditions. The opposition most especially the liberals,
republicans and socialists capitalized on these problems to decampaign the Orleans monarchy
under Louis Philippe's leadership. This caused the 1848revolution that led to the downfall of Louis
Philippe and Orlean monarchy.
10. The economic crisis that befell France prior to 1848 fomented troubles for Louis Philippe.
The bad harvest of 1846 gave way to a serious famine. Besides, epidemic diseases like Typhoid
and gonorrhea had psychological and physical effects on the masses. Louis Philippe was
unbothered about the conditions of the people. This forced people to move to a few large towns
and became desperate mobs who greatly participated in the revolution that ousted Louis Philippe
from power in 1848.
II. Louis Philippe's insensitivity to public outcry for parliamentary reforms became a turning point
in his political career. Property qualifications made the chamber of deputies to be flooded with
middle class members who were not concerned with the welfare of other classes especially
peasants and workers. The Frenchmen wanted an expanded Franchise by lowering property
qualification but Louis kept a deaf ear.
When Guizot his chief minister was questioned, he insisted that those who wished to vote or be
voted should work hard, save money and qualify to vote. This prompted the socialists and
republicans to organize reform banquets with barricades that forced Louis Philippe to exile in
1848.
12. it’s in foreign policy that Louis Philippe clashed head long with all the political groupings
in France. He pursued a submissive and nonadventurous foreign policy, contrary to the
expectations of the Frenchmen except the middle class. This made him very unpopular to be ousted
out of power in 1848.
The first event was the Belgium revolt of 1830. The Belgians expected assistance from Philippe
and the Frenchmen even wanted Louis to intervene and gain glory. But Louis declined to assist the
Belgians for fear of antagonizing other powers. Even when the Belgians offered the throne to Louis
Philippe's son, he backed down after a stem warming from Palmer stone. This disappointed the
liberals, Bonapartists, republicans, legitimists and glory seekers who viewed him as a stooge of
Palmer stone. It reduced his popularity and made his fall inevitable by 1848.
13. Similarly, the poles and the Italians revolted in 1830. Both of them had keen eyes on French
assistance. But Louis declined to assist them for fear of the hostility of other powers. He refused
to assist the Poles because he feared war with Austria, Prussia and Russia who had Polish subjects.
In a similar manner, he declined to aid the Italians for the fear of Austria. This frustrated the
liberals, Bonapartists and glory seekers who wanted him to utilize such opportunities to revive
French influence in Europe. By 1848, they were fed up with his boring foreign policy and decided
to participate in the revolution that sent him on his feet to exile.
14. Louis Philippe also met his political fate through the Mehemet Ali's affairs in the Syrian
question.
Mehemet Ah had declared war on the Sultan of Turkey for failing to give him the territories he
had promised after assisting him (the Sultan) in the Greek war of independence. Frenchmen wanted
Philippe to assist Mehemet Ah and revive the Napoleonic tradition in Egypt. He sent troops but
withdrew after being threatened by Britain and Russia. To crown up the humiliation, Palmer stone
called the 1840 London conference to settle the issue and did not invite France. This provoked a
wave of protests from the liberals, Bonapatists and glory seekers. His liberal chief ministers
Adolph Thiers urged him to organize war against the powers that had excluded France from the
London conference but Louis declined to do so.
This made Thiers to resign his seat and join the opposition. This was a blow to Louis Philippe and
Orleans monarchy. Thiers was the most influential leader whose resignation weakened the
government and strengthened the opposition. His successor Guizot was very unpopular and his
policy made the fall of Louis Philippe inevitable.
15. By colonizing Tahiti Island, Louis had lived to the expectations of the glory seekers and
bellicose (war like) French citizens. However, his withdrawal due to protest from Pahner stone
destroyed the little popularity he might have gained and made him more unpopular. They accused
him of being too weak to uphold France's high status and humiliating her in Europe and
consequently rejected him.
16. The 1846 Swiss crisis was yet another diplomatic setback for Philippe. He refused to assist
the Catholics who were battling with the Protestants about the form of government to adopt. This
led to the defeat of Catholics by the Protestants. It made the Catholics in France to be very bitter
for they felt he was morally bound to support their fellow brothers in faith. The glory seekers
equally denounced him for not rendering the assistance. These undermined his power and
contributed to his eventual downfall in 1848.
17. Louis Philippe's fall can be explained from the Spanish marriage campaign. Although he
succeeded over Britain by breaching the agreement and arranging the marriage of Infanta on the
same day with that of Isabella, nevertheless, he lost the friendship of Britain, the only ally at the
time. Britain cut off diplomatic ties and trade with France. This touched the pockets of the middle
class whose trade suffered since Britain was the workshop of Europe. They therefore denounced
him and henceforth he was left with no support in France. The middle class joined the workers
and peasants in the February 1848 revolution through which Louis Philippe was unceremoniously
seen off the French throne. Britain just watched him pack without raising any accusing finger.
18. Lastly, the outbreak of the 1848 revolutions in Europe (France inclusive) prompted the
downfall of Louis Philippe. The revolution started from Palermo in Italy on 12th Jan 1848, spread
to other Italian slates and reached France in Feb 1848, The outbreak of the revolution in Italian
states inspired the Frenchmen who were already dissatisfied with Louis Philippe's policies to
revolt. The various opposition groups most especially the socialists mobilized the French men
through reform banquets to start the revolution that swept Louis Philippe and Orleans monarchy
from power.
Note: - Louis Philippe lost control of French political affairs largely because of his over reliance
on the propertied middle class. They were very small in number and had no moral or historical
right to control a government that was hated by the aristocracy and the masses. If he had made
reforms in the social, political and economic fields, he would have won over people's support.
However, he closed his eyes and ears to the problems that faced the masses and no wonder that he
was dethroned. He would have perhaps escaped the fate that befell him if he had pursued an
adventurous foreign policy that would have cooled down most domestic factions who yearned for
glory. All the same, we should not over condemn Louis
Philippe for if he pursued a vigorous foreign policy, he would have entered war with the big powers
and risked to be defeated in the very way Napoleon I was defeated in 1815.
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EVENTS FOR THE DOWNFALL OFLOUIS PHILIPPE (1848 REVOLUTIONS)

As Louis Philippe increasingly became adamant to parliamentary reforms and the issue of
franchise the republicans and socialists organised reform banquets in Paris and other centers. At
these Banquets, a great number of people turned up to listen to reformist political propagators. The
reform Banquets gained popularity throughout France and people were fully mobilized for
reforms.
The largest of these reform Banquets was scheduled to take place in February 1848 in Paris. The
principle
Guests were to be 87 sympathizers from the chamber of deputies. Sensing danger, Guizot banned
it and the organizers called it off. Although it was cancelled, all the same people turned up in big
numbers. They assembled and shouted for reforms. On the night of 22"^, barricades were put up
throughout Paris. The next day, Louis ordered the National Guards to restore order but demoralized
as they were, they just joined the people; the crowd shouted down with Guizot and Louis Philippe
asked him (Guizot) to resign.
The situation went out of control when the soldiers guarding Guizot's residence fired on the
demonstrators killing 23 and injuring 30. The demonstrators put the dead bodies on a wagon and
displayed the same to the people of Paris in the glaring daylight. This resulted into a revolution.
More Barricades were erected in Paris and Placards with the following contents were displayed in
all parts of the city; Louis Philippe massacres us as did Charles X let him go to join Charles X.
Hopeless as he was, Louis Philippe abdicated the throne in favour of his grandson Count of Paris.
On 24th February 1848, the revolutionaries plundered his palace and set it ablaze. This was the end
of the road for the Orleans monarchy and monarchical rule in the history of France. Thus, the 1848
revolution in France was successful and socialist leader Lamar time proclaimed the Second French
Republic in Hotel de Ville on 24th February 1848.
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ORLEANSMONARCHY'S CONSOLIDATION OF POWER/SURVIVAL FOR

EIGHTEEN YEARS, 1830-1848

Louis Philippe's government was constantly challenged right from 1830 when he rose to power.
Internally, there were revolts, strikes, demonstrations, assassination attempts on his life and
conspiracies as he observed, "It is only in hunting me that there is no close season". Opposition
parties like Republicans, Bonapartists, legitimists, liberals had varied and divergent interests that
made life hard for Louis Philippe.
External events like the 1830 revolutions in Europe, 1840 Syrian question, 1846 Swiss crisis and
the way he responded to them intensified domestic opposition against him. In spite of all these,
Louis Philippe managed to sit on the throne for 18 years and this can be attributed to the following:-
1) Louis Philippe's peaceful foreign policy was the basis for his survival up to 1848. It made
him to legitimize his power amongst European powers who were scared of revolutionary France.
Although he was opposed as a coward, his failure to interfere in events outside France like
Belgium, Italy and Poland won him the friendship of the 1815 Vienna signatories who would have
fought and overthrown him the way they did to Napoleon I.
More so, his peaceful foreign policy pleased the middle class who were the basis of his rise and
hence survival up to 1848. This is because all that the middle class needed was a peaceful
atmosphere to conduct their business and Britain's friendship that was won by Philippe. This
explains why when the middle class abandoned him in 1846 following the Spanish marriage,
Philippe became too vulnerable only to be ejected out in 1848.
2) Similarly, Philippe's peaceful reign won him the confidence of a large section of the
Frenchmen who were fed up with the vicious circle of violence and bloodshed since 1789. The
peasants and workers had suffered enough in 1789, 1792 -94, 1815 - 1817 and 1830 .All they
wanted was a stable and peaceful era for economic development. Indeed, under Philippe's
administration, there was economic progress and France was second to none other than Britain in
Europe. Although this was monopolized by the middle class, it nevertheless helped to cool down
criticism against him with the exception of the socialists.
3) Philippe's survival can also be gauged from the Anglo-Franco alliance that he forged. He
realized that France under a constitutional monarchy was bound to be isolated from conservative
and despotic powers like Russia, Austria and Prussia. This made him to dance to the times of
Britain and became Palmer stone's rubberstamp in Europe. Although this was opposed by a large
section of Frenchmen, it earned him of official and diplomatic co-operation which the despotic
powers could not give him.
NB: 1 it was only in 1846 when Britain broke this diplomatic alliance that Philippe's popularity
was seriously eroded
2: The fact that France was not declared a republic in 1830 saved Philippe from the hostility of
divine monarchs who would have fought him right from the beginning of his reign.
4) Louis Philippe's humble personality and simple lifestyle and helped him to consolidate his
reign in France. Having suffered poverty and hard life in exile, Louis Philippe developed a simple
lifestyle that helped him to gain and retain power, e.g. he walked freely on streets unguarded
holding a green umbrella, shave his own beards and sent his children to the common man's school.
This saved French resources that were used for socioeconomic development. His simple lifestyle
earned him the support
Of the common man who used to suffer excessive taxation to supplement extravagancy of the
royalists.
5) Louis Philippe's policy of neutrality on religious affairs also enabled his survival for 18
years. He granted freedom of worship, which Charles x had undermined by making Catholicism
the state religion. The concordat that Napoleon had signed with the Pope was maintained and the
government continued to nominate Bishops and pay salaries of the clergy. In 1831, Judaism was
put on an equal footing with Christianity. The government began to pay salaries of Jewish rabbis
just as it paid the protestant reverends and catholic priests. These gained Louis Philippe support
from different religious groups, hence consolidation of power up to 1848.
6) The absence of revolutions in Europe that would have inspired Frenchmen against Louis
Philippe also made him safe for 18 years. Metternich system was very effective in suppressing
revolutionary movements from 1830-1847. Thus, there was relative peace and stability that
favoured some degree of economic growth in many states. Absence of a revolution in Europe by
1848 denied the opposition of an event that they could have utilized to convince the Frenchmen to
revolt against Louis Philippe. The fact that the Frenchmen were the first to revolt (Feb 1848)
following the Italians (Jan 1848) is a clear testimony that absence of such a revolution prior to
1848 helped Louis Philippe to survive for the 18 years.
7) Ideological difference amongst the opposition also accounts for the survival of Louis
Philippe up to 1848. The liberals wanted a more democratic and liberal system of government,
republicans demanded an expanded franchise, legitimists desired consolidation of their privileges,
socialists aspired for nationalization of property and establishment of state workshops and
Bonapartists were nostalgic about the revival of Napoleonic influence in Europe. By 1843, these
factions could not sacrifice their ideological interest for the purpose of defeating Philippe who was
their common enemy. Apart from leaning towards the middle class, Philippe played the opposition
well. He was not an ultra-royalist as the Bourbons; neither was he a republican, a Bonapartist nor
an extreme liberal. Thus, ideological difference amongst the opposition and Philippe's neutrality
helped him to survive for 18years.
8) Although Philippe was surrounded by a cocktail of pressure groups since 1830, he managed
to survive for 18years because it was not until 1840's that they intensified their criticism of him,
Louis Blank (a socialist) gained prominence from 1840's when the conditions of workers reached
frightening levels.
Bonapartism regained grounds after the return of Napoleon's body and the writings of Napoleon
Bonaparte. It was even not until 1843 that the socialists, republicans and liberals forged a united
front through reform Banquets. Thus, Louis Philippe managed to rule up to 1848 because his
opponents were too disorganized to put a formidable challenge to him. Secondly, by the time his
opponents got organized and united, he had effectively consolidated his power and that is why
they could not over throw him before 1848.
9) The 1830 constitutional charter was an instrument that also helped Louis Philippe to
survive from 1830-1848. The charter provided for a two chambered parliament i.e. the chambers
of peers and deputies, which transformed France from absolute monarchy into a constitutional
monarchy by 1840. The constitution acted as checks and balances to any despotic tendency of the
king, which could have earned Louis Philippe a revolution. For example, he could no longer issue
special decrees as Charles X did in 1830 to dissolve the parliament. This could have incited a
revolution against Louis Philippe.
Secondly, it was not the king but the parliament to introduce laws. This also checked Philippe's
despotism, which would have provoked a revolution earlier than 1848. Thirdly, the charter limited
the franchise (voting power) to the rich middle class. Although this was too undemocratic because
it deenfranchised majority peasants, it nevertheless offered Philippe majority support in the
parliament. In other words, he lacked opposition to force him to resign in times of a national crisis.
10) Louis Philippe's throne was protected by the restored, transformed and re-equipped
National Guard.
The loyalty of the army to him was indisputable. Had it been the army other than the different
pressure groups who were disappointed by Louis Philippe's cautious non-adventurous foreign
policy, he would not have survived up to 1848. Philippe used the National Guard to suppress
internal strikes, revolutions and demonstrations such as the republican rising of 1830 and the
Lavandee Legitimist uprising.
NB. It was not until 1848 when the National Guard fraternized with the socialists and republicans
that Louis lost his power.
11) On top of that, Philippe had a secret spying network against his opponents in state organs.
They were very effective in unearthing subversive elements and conspirators against his
government. For example, assassination attempts against his life and Louis Bonaparte's attempts
to overthrow him in 1836 and 1840 were exposed by state intelligence that promptly arrested such
"bad" elements like Louis Bonaparte.
12) Louis Philippe's violation of the 1830 charter also aided his survival on the French throne
for 18 years.
When opposition intensified their activities from 1840, Louis Philippe resorted to severe laws that
drove opposition against him underground. He banned the press and this reduced open criticism
against him. He also passed the laws of discussion and association that prohibited any obedience
to past governments. These undermined Bonapartism and Bourbons and left the Orleans monarchy
unchallenged up to 1848.
13) Socio-economic reforms were also used by Louis Philippe to consolidate his power up to
1848. His pro-middle class and peaceful foreign policy attracted massive investment that led to
commendable progress in industrialization, agriculture, education and trade. Transport and
communication networks were improved to enhance socio-economic development. Many railway
lines including the one from Paris to St German were also constructed to facilitate transportation
of raw materials and finished products. These created more employment opportunities, improved
the income level and standard of living. All these earned Louis Philippe support that he used to
survive amidst hostile opposition up to 1848.
14) Lastly, Philippe's long reign can also be attributed to his chief ministers. His government
was managed by statesmen of talents, integrity and force of brain like Thiers and Guizot whose
patriotism and ability were great. Theirs (1836 -1840) commanded a strong domestic loyalty and
the great powers' respect in favour of France. He effectively controlled liberal attacks in the
chamber of deputies that was against Louis Philippe. His successor, Guizot (1840 —1848)
supported his peaceful foreign policy to the advantage of the middle class that earned him support
in the chamber of deputies. He also maintained a strong hold over the chamber of deputies through
bribery, corruption in tenders and was highly inclined to Britain's interest. Although this was a
weakness in government, it nevertheless enabled Philippe to survive attacks in the chamber of
deputies.
THE AUSTRIAN EMPIRE Brainshare
Introduction

By 1814, the Austrian Empire had up to 13 different nationalities under Austria's control. It was
composed of people who were culturally, historically, religiously and politically different. The
Austrian authorities were therefore tied by the challenge of maintaining close unity and
administrative control over the different races. The greatest challenge to the empire were the new
forces of nationalism and liberalism that were sweeping across Europe and challenging the old
order. The survival of the Empire required a ruthless and efficient administration to keep liberalism
and nationalism at bay. Therefore, the manner in which the Empire was administered was
determined by the level of nationalism and liberalism.
Since the French revolution of1789, the Austrian administration had struggled to safeguard Austria
from the revolutionary ideas of equality, liberty and fraternity. This explains why Austria
supported the Émigrés - and fought against France in the revolutionary wars. She also struggled
against Napoleon until his final defeat at the battle of Waterloo in 1815.
By 1804, the Austrian Habsburg (ruling dynasty) had brought their scattered territories into a unit
under the common name "the empire of the house of Austria" .The Vienna settlement of 1815
formally established the regions comprising the empire.
Brainshare
METTERNICH

He was born on 15 May 1773 at Coblenz in the Rhine lands in Prussia. His full name was Klemens
Wensel Nepomuk Lothas Von Metternich. In 1792, the invading French army forced him to flee
to Austria from where he married the granddaughter of Austrian chancellor, Princess Kaunitz of
Marie Theresa. This increased his prestige, respect, rights and influence in Austria and aided his
rise to power. Indeed, it was the then Austrian chancellor who gave him the high sounding title
Prince Von Metternich in 1813.
In 1809, Metternich was made the minister of foreign affairs of Austria and in 1821, he became
the chancellor of the Austrian empire following his achievements at the Vienna settlement and the
congress system. Using these positions, he dominated European politics to such an extent that the
period 1815 - 1848 has been referred to as the Metternich period and himself as the coachman of
European affairs.
Metternich graduated at Strasbourg University in France and later Mainz between 1790 - 1792. He
specialized in diplomacy although he was equally interested in linguistics, history, science and
astronomy.
By birth, Metternich was from aristocratic family where the new forces of nationalism, liberalism
and democracy were bitterly resented. This together with his experience of the reign of terror in
Prance made him to believe that revolutions of the French type were the greatest enemy of the
aristocracy and indeed the people. He described the French revolution and all that it stood for as;
The disease which must be cured by the volcano which must be extinguished, the gangrene
which must be burnt out with a hot Iron, the hydra with Jaws open to swallow up the social
order". To him, democracy could "change day light into darkest night
He initiated the Metternich system in an attempt to maintain the Vienna settlement where the
European aristocrats were to hang together in order to keep under key and lock the forces of
nationalism, liberalism and democracy. The system hinged on the principle ofpeace and no change.
The major objectives of the Metternich system were;
i) Preservation of European peace
ii) Preservation of the Austrian empire from the forces of nationalism and liberalism.
iii) Maintaining for the European aristocrats their privileges against the new forces of change.
Generally the Metternich system aimed at protecting the old socio-economic and political order
against the threats of revolutionary disruptions.
However, Metternich's dominance of European affairs was superficial and temporary. The forces
of nationalism and liberalism had come to stay. He could only buy time by suppressing and yet
not altering the momentum. No wonder that the very forces that he had devoted his lifetime to
suppress forced him to abdicate and flee to exile in 1848 i.e. through the 1848 revolutions. His
downfall strengthened Italian and German nationalism, which greatly weakened the Austrian
empire.

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METHODS USED BY METTERNICH TO CONTROL EUROPEAN AFFAIRS OR HOW
METTERNICH CONSOLIDATED HIS POWER/ SUPREMARCY IN EUROPE FROM 1815 -
1848

Metternich was the most famous statesman produced by Austria in the 19^^ century. He was the
prince of diplomacy and was thoroughly at ease with the diplomatic affairs of Europe between
1815 - 1848. He used both force and diplomacy to influence European affairs and consolidate his
power.
i) Metternich posted foreign officers to administer different areas to check on nationalistic
movements.
For instance, Croatians were sent to Slovenia, Poles to Austria, Austrians to Hungary, Italians to
Germany and vice versa. Being foreign, these officers monitored and suppressed nationalistic
movements such as the Cabonari and Young Italian Movements very effectively. This explains
why Austria herself survived the 1830 revolutions in Europe. Revolutions within the empire were
easily suppressed by the very foreign officials e.g. In Italian and German states.
ii) Metternich also used censorship of the press and control of communication in a bid to seal
off the empire from liberal and nationalistic ideas. A censor official was appointed at Vienna to
approve all books, newspapers and publications. A special office was set at Vienna for opening,
recording and resealing all foreign informations. Through such a network, Metternich was able to
know liberal sympathizers, their agents, strategies or targets.
iii) In the German states, Metternich secured for Austria the post of the president of the
German diet/parliament. This was a vital post since the president decided on the issues to be
discussed and the protocol to be followed. Using this power, he was able to block most of the
reforms that would have strengthened German states. Metternich persuaded all the German states
to limit the subjects to be discussed in parliament which also limited liberalism and liberal issues
in the diet (parliament).
iv) Metternich enacted the Carlsbad decree as a counter offensive against German nationalism
that had climaxed into the murder of Kotzbue. By its provisions, student's associations were
abolished and ail German universities were to have government inspectors, a spy network to
monitor activities of lecturers and students, the press was censored and measures were enacted by
which the diet could use the army to suppress revolutions in any German state. The effectiveness
of these measures explains why the Germans hardly organised any movement contrary to the
Italians before 1848.
v) In Italy, Metternich's position was secured by direct and indirect control. Austria under him
gained direct control in Lombardy and Venetia and indirectly over Parma, Modena, Tuscany and
Romagna by supplying Austrian officers there. In the Italian as well as German states, he was able
to use the policy of divide and rule up to his downfall inl848. These measures ensured that Italians
and Germans were firmly under Metternich's and Austrian control.
vi) Metternich further suppressed public opinion by prohibiting the publication of
parliamentary debates for public consumption. This was intended and directed at keeping the
discontented public too ignorant and conservative, thereby concealing the government's weakness
and avoiding or checking open criticism against his inefficiency and dictatorship.
vii) Metternich kept himself on the forefront of European politics by the use of force against
rebellions whenever diplomacy and negotiations could not work. The Carbonari and the young
Italy movements were all crushed militarily. The 1821 - 1822 revolutions in Naples and Spain and
even those of 1830 in Parma, Modena and Tuscany all collapsed under Metternich's iron hand and
the ousted kings were restored by Metternich's reserve force.
viii) Metternich further crippled opposition to his system by using fiscal policy. He over taxed
his subjects to finance the activities of the intelligence network but primarily to check on their
ability to finance liberal and nationalistic movements against his dictatorship. This reduced the
ability of his subjects to resist his rule.
ix) Metternich forged an alliance of European monarchs against the new forces of nationalism
and liberalism. At the Vienna settlement, he advocated for the restoration of legitimate rulers who
became the best agents in suppressing the new forces in Europe. He thus had the support of
Emperor Francis I who surrendered all powers in the empire to him. Other European leaders like
Tsar Alexander I of Russia, Fredrick William III and IV of Prussia and Charles X of France were
all on his side. These became his allies in their respective states.
x) Metternich also consolidated his power by maintaining close relationships between the
state and the Church. He won the support of Bishops, priests and the Catholics by recognizing the
Catholic Church as a state religion. In other words, he encouraged religious intolerance (except in
Prussia) that gained him support from all Catholics within the empire. This was easy because most
of the clergy were anti liberal and they became bulwarks against the new forces of change.
xi) Metternich ranks high in European diplomacy for the use of spying network throughout
the empire (that was controlled from Vienna). His spying system was entrenched in the army,
police, civil service, public places and in strategic or sensitive places like hotels, lodges, cinema
halls and schools.
These unearthed all liberal and nationalistic movements against his administration. It was this
espionage or spy system that uprooted the German liberal movements that would have overthrown
Metternich. From 1815 - 1848, Metternich's spying system was so efficient that an Italian woman
lamented that;
My daughter cannot sneeze hut Prince Metternich will know of it It's for the same reason that,
one historian referred to the Austrian empire under Metternich as "a classical example of a police
state".
xii) Metternich controlled education system within the empire. All professors, lecturers,
principals and teachers were made to take an oath of allegiance to the Metternich system. At all
levels, the education syllabus disregarded liberal subjects especially history, philosophy,
psychology and literature. He went further to prohibit liberal discussions, academic associations,
seminars even on subject levels.
Emperor Francis I supported his education policy and remarked that; I want not scholars hut
good citizens, whoever teaches must do so according to my will and whoever keeps liberal
ideas going must go or I will let him go.
xiii) Lastly, Metternich exploited the congress system to influence European affairs up to 1848.
He was the chairman of the Vienna congress that mapped out strategies to suppress nationalism
and liberalism in 'Europe. He later became was very active in the congress system between 1818
- 1825. Through the congress system, Metternich was able to bring all the major European powers
into one thinking cup.
This made it very easy for Europe to adopt his ideas and principles as "the coachman of Europe".
ACHIEVEMENTS AND POSITIVE IMPACT OF METTERNICH IN EUROPE, 1815 1848
(ROLE OF METTERNICH IN EUROPEAN AFFAIRS)

Between 1815 - 1848, Metternich was so successful in European affairs that this period has
been described as the Metternich era and he himself as "the coachman of Europe".
Metternich himself felt that the world was resting on his shoulders. To quote him;
My position has this peculiarity that all eyes, all expectations are directed to precisely that point
where I happen to be; Again,
Why amongst so many million men must I be the one to think when others do not think, to act
when others do not act, to write when others know not how?
After the downfall of Napoleon, the destiny of Europe passed into the hands of Metternich. He was
able to achieve much in the socio, political and economic reconstruction of Europe after Napoleon
I.
1. Defeat of Napoleon
Metternich made great contributions to the downfall of Napoleon I who had disorganized the whole
continent of Europe. He influenced the formation of the fourth coalition with other countries like
Britain, Russia and Prussia that led to the defeat of Napoleon at the battle of Leipzig and exiled
him to the Island of Elba. Later when Napoleon escaped from Elba and sneaked back to Paris for
100 days, Metternich argued the Vienna congress powers to forget their differences and they
mobilized a force of 800,000 men that delivered the final defeat to Napoleon at Waterloo. They
finally exiled Napoleon to the rocky Island of St. Hellena where he died in 1821. This brought
relative peace and stability in Europe.
2) Disintegration of Napoleonic Empire and redrawing the map of Europe
Metternich contributed to the disintegration of Napoleonic Empire and redrawing the map of
Europe.
After the final defeat of Napoleon I, Metternich influenced the Vienna congressmen to reduce the
boarder of France to those of 1790 and enforce permanent boarder restrictions. The huge French
Empire created by Napoleon I was dismantled and nationalities like Italians and Germans were
subjected to imperial rule of other powers. He influenced the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy
in France to guard against the rise of any body from Napoleon's ruling line in France. These
measures dismantled Napoleonic Empire and kept a Bonapatist out of the French throne up to
1848.
3) Restoration of the balance of power
Restoration of the balance of power in Europe was achieved by Metternich. The French
revolutionary and Napoleonic activities had destroyed the balance of power in Europe. Metternich
through the Vienna Settlement ensured that disputed territories were partitioned in a way that no
one power emerged as the most dominant. Austria gained direct and indirect control over Italian
and German states, Prussia got parts of Saxony and Poland. Russia acquired the Grand Dutchy of
Warsaw, parts of Saxony and Poland. France lost the control over Italians and Germans to reduce
her power since she was the most dominant in Europe.
All these restored the balance of power in Europe, which maintained relative peace and stability
in Europe.
4) Reconciliation with France
Metternich realized that it would be a political asset to treat France fairly after the defeat of
Napoleon Bonaparte I. He persuaded the allies to believe that the threat to Europe was Napoleon
and not the French people. This made France to be treated fairly to the extent that she was admitted
in the congress system in 1818 at Aix-Lachapalle. It made France to reconcile and forget of
revenging against the allies, which consolidated peace, stability and unity in Europe.
5) The Vienna Congress of1814-1815
Metternich called and successfully chaired the Vienna congress of 18141815. In Sept 1814,
Metternich called the Vienna congress to settle the problems caused by revolutionary France and
Napoleonic activities in Europe. This created a spirit of diplomacy and cooperation in resolving
issues of common concern.
Metternich manipulated the terms of the Vienna settlement of 1815 to pass stringent measures
against revolutions and revolutionary movements. This created peace and stability in Europe after
the downfall of Napoleon I.
6) Congress system
Metternich's ideas of European monarchs hanging together against the new forces of change led to
the formation of the congress system in Europe. The congress system through congresses such as
the Aix- Lachapelle of 1818 managed to settle outstanding issues amongst the major powers of
Europe. Although the congress system finally collapsed by 1830, it was a good gesture at forming
an international organization which provided a background for future organizations like the
League of Nations and U.N.O (UN) that have maintained world peace.
7) Peace
Between 1815 - 1848, Metternich was pre-occupied with the restoration of peace in Europe. He
was the chairman and pilot of the Vienna peace settlement of 1815 and a champion of the congress
system that became an instrument of peace in Europe. That the post war settlement took place in
Vienna, the capital of Austria portrays Metternich's seriousness with peace after Napoleon. It
should be noted that although Metternich has been accused of dictatorship and oppression, it
nevertheless checked the spread of assassinations, revolutionary movements and political
demonstrations resulting from liberalism and nationalism. This enabled him to maintain the
ramshackle Austrian empire that would have disintegrated the slightest touch of nationalism.
8) Preservation of Heterogeneous Austrian empire from disintegration
Metternich was successful in maintaining unity in the heterogeneous Austrian empire that had
Germans, alians, Slavs, Magyars, Orthodox, Catholics, Protestants, Moslems and Atheists.
Through his policy of expression, espionage, divide and rule, censorship of the press and force,
Metternich was able to insulate the empire from the forces of nationalism and liberalism which
would have broken the ramshackle empire into pieces as emperor Francis I lamented; My realm is
like a warm eaten house, if one part is removed one cannot tell how much will remain. The failure
of Italians and Germans by 1848 to break away and form united independent states illustrates the
effectiveness of Metternich in the preservation of the heterogeneous Austrian empire from
disintegration
9) Austrian imperialism in Europe
Metternich consolidated Austrian imperialism and Empire in Europe". He used the Vienna
Congress particularly the principle of balance of power to expand and formalize the Austrian
Empire in Europe. The empire had different nationalities like Italians, Germans, Croatians,
Slovenes, Poles and Hungarians.
Although these nationalities had different historical, economic, political, social, linguistic and
religious differences, Metternich was able to utilize their differences and effectively rule them
through the policy of divide and rule. Thus, Metternich is credited for the creation and
consolidation of Austrian Empire in Europe.
10) Alliance of European monarchs
Metternich enhanced unity and diplomatic cooperation amongst European monarchs of the time.
He exaggerated the threats of liberal and nationalistic movements against conservative monarchies
to bring European monarchs under his control. Consequently, Tsar Alexander I of Russia, Louis
XVIII and Charles X in France, Fredrick William III of Prussia, Ferdinand II and Ferdinand VII
of Naples and Spain, Charles Albert of Piedmont and the many Habsburg rulers in Germany and
Italy came together under Metternich's umbrella'. Such rulers joined Metternich in the struggle to
fight the threatening forces of liberalism and nationalism, thus forging alliance of European
monarchs.
11) Restoration and protection of legitimate rulers.
Metternich is credited for the restoration and protection of legitimate rulers in Europe in an attempt
to restore the privileges of the aristocracy. He succeeded in restoring Louis)CVIII in France,
Ferdinand II in Naples and Ferdinand VII in Spain. They were also restored in Italian states like
Parma, Modena, Tuscany, Piedmont and Papal states. Metternich was able to use his reserve force
to protect the restored kings whenever and wherever they were threatened by revolutions. This
maintained the stability of political systems in Europe. Besides, the restored kings became his best
agents against the forces of nationalism and liberalism.
12) Spread of revolutions and revolutionary ideas
Metternich is on record for his success against the spread of revolutions and revolutionary ideas
from Vance to the rest of Europe. He once described the French revolution as a hydra with jaws
open to swallow up the social order and a volcano which must be extinguished and so he embarked
on suppressive measures that checked the spread of revolutions and revolutionary ideas. This
explains why Austria survived the 1820's and 1830 revolutions that rocked Europe. Even where
revolutions occurred,
Metternich was able to suppress them. Such was the case with Spain, Naples, Carbonari and Young
Italy Movements that collapsed due to his repressive measures.
13) French Aggression
Metternich's policies in Europe checked on French aggression that had destroyed peace and
tranquilly on the continent. He once remarked at the Vienna congress that; whenever France
sneezes, Europe catches cold So, he influenced the Vienna peace makers to create strong barrier
states all round France which were too strong to be invaded. The Austrian empire that he ruled
was the strongest. He was so successful that France instead of becoming an aggressor became a
victim of aggression from other powers like Prussia.
14) Revival of European economy
Remarkable improvement of European economy was witnessed during the Metternich's era. Before
Metternich's era, European economy was in shambles due to the continental system and
Napoleonic wars.
However, Metternich mobilized European powers to defeat Napoleon and uproot his influence in
Europe.
Thereafter, he influenced the Vienna settlement to design measures that ensured peace and
economic stability in Europe. For instance, he ensued that there was free navigation on important
waters like the Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea. These measures ended the continental system,
promoted the spread of industrial revolution and revived European economy.
15) Unifications of Germany and Italy.
Metternich succeeded in keeping the Germans and the Italians disunited as the "rock to the new
order (during his period). The German and Italian patriots started serious struggles for unifications
as early as l820's. For instance, in Italy the Carbonari and the young Italy movements were very
active in the 1820's and 1830's. The German intellectuals started as early as 1817. However, using
both force and diplomacy these movements were crushed for example the Carlsbad decree of
1820's crippled German nationalism once and for all. It was not until his downfall in 1848 that
German and Italian unifications started experiencing some positive developments.
However, Metternich indirectly laid foundation for the unification of Germany. He reduced the
280 German states into only 39 and created a single diet (parliament) for all the 39 states. This
brought in a large measure of unity amongst the Germans and the diet became the hatching ground,
for unification ideas. Nevertheless, although Metternich made some positive contributions to the
unification of Germany, it was accidental since his policies were against German nationalism and
unification.
NB. The Carlsbad decrees that suffocated German nationalism led to a period of political dormancy
that favoured the growth of industrialization and trade in the German states. This economic
prosperity led to the growth of the middle class who later spearheaded the struggle for German
unification.
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WEAKNESSES, FAILURES AND NEGATIVE IMPACT OF METTERNICH

Although Metternich was triumphant in controlling European affairs from 1815 - 1848, he has
been criticized by Ketelbey on the grounds that he was an intriguer and an opportunist. Tsar
Alexander1 called him a liar, while liberals and democrats then and since have accused him of
obscurantism, reactionariness and hostility to the desires and aspirations of the people. His
weaknesses, failures and negative influence were as follows:-
1. Restoration and maintenance of legitimate rulers
Failure to restore all the legitimate rulers who were overthrown by the French revolutionary
changes and Napoleon was a fundamental weakness of Metternich. For example, those of Belgium,
Finland and Denmark never regained their thrones. Those who were restored were the worst rulers
Europe ever had. The revolts and political instability provoked by these rulers notably in Spain
and France that disorganized Europe can therefore be blamed on Metternich's principle of
legitimacy.
2. Promotion of Austrian imperialism, conservatism and autocratism
Promotion of Austrian imperialism, conservatism and autocratism was a negative impact of
Metternich in Europe. Metternich consolidated Austrian imperialism and conservatism in Europe
through repressive measures against nationalism. He remarked; That which I wished in 1831,1
wished in 1813 and in all the period between. Nationalities within the Austrian Empire suffered
lack of political liberties, oppression, imprisonment, exile and press censorship amongst others.
The brutal suppression of revolts like those of 1830 in Italian states and Poland led to death of
people in thousands. Indeed, Metternich ranks high as one of the worst dictators that Europe has
ever hosted. There is a general agreement that Metternich surpassed Napoleon I in dictatorship.
He over dwelt on rigidly static conservative policies that suffocated liberalism and nationalism in
Europe.
3. Exploitation and oppression
Economically, Metternich over exploited subjects within the Austrian Empire. He used forced
conscription into the army to raise a big force to consolidate his exploitative and oppressive rule
in Europe. He also embarked on excessive taxation to raise money to meet the cost of
administration and deny his subjects excess resources that could be used to resist his mle. Such
measures led to financial crisis, poverty, misery, famine, starvation and poor standard of living.
These deplorable economic conditions contributed to the outbreak of the 1848 revolutions that
prompted the downfall of Metternich.
4. Failure of press censorship
Within Austria itself, strict censorship of the press was not strict in the strictest sense. Liberal
books, journals and newspapers reached university professors, students and lectures in great
numbers. These were tactfully coordinated from other countries and universities without
interception by the censor official. Metternich acknowledged this failure when he said; although I
have ruled Europe, I have never governed Austria,' justifying that his achievement in Europe was
a sharp contrast to his failure in Austria.
5. Suffocation of German and Italian unifications
Historians have blamed Metternich for blocking the unification's of Italy and Germany during his
reign. He arrested tortured, imprisoned and exiled Italian and German nationalists. The Carlsbad
decree destroyed German nationalism and it could not triumph until after Metternich's downfall in
1848. One must note that although Metternich laid foundations for Italian and German unifications,
it was accidental since they were the reverse of his policy. Thus Metternich is hereby blamed for
blocking and frustrating German unification during his era.
6. The spread of revolutions and revolutionary ideas in Europe.
Metternich made a fruitless attempt to prevent the spread of revolutions and revolutionary ideas in
Europe. Although Metternich knew the empire's illness through his spy network, he is accused of
treating the effects than the causes of the disease. No wonder that Europe experienced periodic
revolutions in 1820's, 1830's and 1848. Metternich himself knew that he was fighting a losing
battle.
He once confessed;
I have come into the world either too early or too late. Earlier I should have enjoyed the
age, later I should have helped to reconstruct it. Today I have to give my life to propping
up moldering institutions.
Metternich himself was ejected out of European politics by a revolution in Vienna on 15"^ March
1848 that sent him to exile in England.
7. Education and academic freedom
Metternich's Education system was an insult to people's intelligence and made him very unpopular
amongst intellectuals. He promoted illiteracy in the Habsburg Empire through strict control of
Education. Metternich forced all teachers, lecturers and professors to swear an oath of allegiance
to him, banned the teaching of revolution subjects and students, organizations and instituted a spy
network that interfered with academic freedom. These provoked resistance and no wander that the
revolution that finally sealed off his career was organized by Austrian university professors,
lectures and students in 1848.
8. Religious intolerance
In spite of the cry for religious freedom, Metternich re-imposed religious intolerance in the fashion
of the ancient regime. He restored the privileges of the clergy and made Catholicism a state religion
and yet the Austrian empire was multi-religious with other religions like Protestantism, Orthodoxy
and Islam. All his appointments in public offices favoured the Catholics at the expense of other
religious denominations.
9. Weak administrative system
Metternich failed to influence Emperor Francis I to execute administrative reforms. There was
absence of a properly centralized administrative system to hold the different races within the
empire together.
The different nationalities were therefore semi autonomous, which made it impossible to stop the
spread of revolutions and revolutionary ideas. Above all, Metternich over dwelt on European
politics at the expense of socioeconomic conditions of the masses. This explains why by 1848 the
empire was in acute financial crisis and was referred to as a laughing stock of Europe.
10. Weakness and collapse of the congress system.
Although Metternich is credited as the father of the congress system, he is blamed for killing his
own 'child'. His selfish interests and conservative policies alienated liberal monarchies like i.e.
Britain, France, Belgium and Greece from the congress system. These powers were against
Metternich's manipulation of the congress system to restore and protect the old order of
conservatism. Above all, there was no written agreement and protocol that could have bonded the
congress powers together and no wonder that the system collapsed by 1830.
11. Failure to influence the post 1820events and leadership
Metternich's idea of putting Europe into the same thinking cup was a failure from 1820's. He failed
to prevent Russian imperialism in the Balkans, as was the case with the Greek war of revolt 1821
- 1831.
He even failed to restrain Britain from assisting liberal movement like the Belgium revolution of
1830 and the Greek revolt. He also lost control over
Prussia after Fredrick William IV's rise to power in 1840. Unlike his predecessor (William III),
William IV was an enlightened despot whom Metternich could not easily influence. Therefore,
Metternich was not all that a "coachman of Europe." Successive developments and leadership
proved a challenge beyond his skills.
12. Shift of European balance of power from Vienna to London
Lastly, Metternich's attempt in maintaining the balance of power in favour of Austria and making
Vienna the nucleus (center) of European diplomacy failed in the long run from 1830, European
diplomacy shitted from Vienna to London. For instance, the Greek war of revolt was settled by the
London treaty of 1830, the Belgium independence was settled by the 1830 and 1839 London
treaties. It was even the 1840 and 1841 London conferences that settled the Syrian question. The
fact that European diplomacy shifted from Vienna to London is a clear testimony by Metternich’s
failure in directing or controlling European affairs.
NB. Metternich has been accused of obscurantism conservatism and hostility to the desires and
aspirations of the people but this to some extent is a misjudgment. This is because he had correctly
studied the political barometer of the time and had accurately seen how liberalism and nationalism
could destabilize mankind. It was the aggressive German nationalism, which Metternich had
imprisoned that led to the 1864 war between Denmark and Prussia, 1866 Austro-Prussian war and
the Franco Prussian war of 1870 - 1871 that destroyed the European balance of power. It was even
the same aggressive German nationalism that led not only Europe but the whole world into the
first and second world wars. It's against such a background that one should assess Metternich's
achievements and failures in Europe.
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REASONS WHY METTERNICH DOMNATED EUROPEAN POLITICS FR OM 1815 -
1848

Metternich was the most famous statesman produced by Austria in the 19^^ century. He was so
successful in influencing European affairs that this period is often referred to as the "Metternich's
age.' A number of reasons explain why Metternich was successful in re-organizing Europe after
the downfall of Napoleon I.
He was blessed with rare qualities that enabled him to survive on the forefront of European politics
up to 1848. On one hand, he had a cool head and was humane yet on the other hand he was ruthless,
vigilant and remorseless. These explain why he relied more on diplomacy other than force in
dealing with the new forces of change. For instance the carbonari, young Italy movement and
German intellectual movements were suppressed more due to Metternich's diplomatic skills than
force.
However, where diplomacy could not work he was not slow at using force e.g. Naples in 1821.
2. Metternich was thoroughly educated, had traveled widely and was therefore a
cosmopolitan aristocrat of the 19th century. He was educated at the universities of Strasbourg and
Mainz. He studied diplomacy and administration but was equally interested in history, Astronomy,
science and linguistics. It is this diplomatic skill which he attained through his education that
became the most useful weapon in fighting .the forces of liberalism and Nationalism hence an
insight as to why he succeeded.
3. Metternich's linguistic ability made him to be more knowledgeable than anyone else about
European affairs. He spoke and wrote in nearly allEuropean languages. He boasted; It*s my habit
to write to Paris in French, to London in English, to St. Petersburg in Russian and to Berlin in
German. Indeed throughout European congresses, Metternich became an interpreter for European
statesmen and effected decisions without interpretation. This was a fundamental factor that helped
him to be aware of events in Europe and consolidate his influence in Europe up to-1848.
4. Metternich traveled widely and had diplomatic experiences that enabled him to be the
coachman of European affairs. He was an Austrian Ambassador to Dresden, Paris and Berlin.
These made him to be more acquainted with the diplomatic cobwebs of Europe. Although Austria
was in alliance with Napoleon through marriage (Napoleon married the Austrian princes Marie
Louse in 1810 after divorcing Josephine), his diplomatic insight helped him to withdraw Austria,
from Napoleon and consequently Austria joined the allied powers. This gave Austria a high
position in the Vienna settlement for which she was given the leadership under Metternich’s
chairmanship.
5. Metternich's conservative views and policies greatly tallied with those of European
aristocrats who gave him overwhelming support. Tsar Alexander I of Russia openly confessed
before Metternich that; deplore all that I said and did between 1815 - 1818. I regret the time lost
...you have correctly judged the conditions of things. Tell me what you want and what you want
of me and I will do it.
Others like the Bourbons in France, Fredrick William of Prussia, Ferdinand II and Ferdinand VII
of Naples and Spain, Charles Albert of Piedmont and the many Habsburg rulers in Germany and
Italy were all behind Metternich and his system in Europe. These rulers became Metternich's
agents in the struggle against liberalism and Nationalism and that is why he succeeded.
6. Metternich also had strong official support from his emperor Francis I of Austria who was
equally conservative and despotic. It's Emperor Francis I who promoted him and supported his
politics and programs. He gave him freedom to "govern and change nothing". Since most civil
servants, army commanders and government officials were appointed or were approved by the
emperor, it was not a surprise that they were dedicated (loyal) antiliberal officers who implemented
Metternich's orders.
7. Metternich was also supported by the clergy and the nobles because he was the champion
of aristocratic privileges and also because of his policy of "peace and no change". This gained him
the support of the pope and a great majority of the conservative Catholics and nobles all over
Europe.
Consequently, the Catholic Church was instrumental in censoring the press, implementing
conservative policies in schools and influencing state officials and their subjects in favour of
Metternich.
8. Besides, the few liberal countries such as France and Britain that could have opposed
Metternich's conservative policies were trapped by internal problems. In France, Louis Philippe
was faced by internal opposition from various political factions and his concern was a peaceful
foreign policy.
Britain was occupied with problems brought by industrial revolution and Russia was tied by Polish
rebels. Metternich therefore had no one to restrain him in the struggle to restore the old order of
Europe hence a reason for his success.
9. The liberal and Nationalistic movements that were the greatest threat to Metternich lacked
co operation and were disorganized. In Italy, the Carbonari Movement was dominated by charcoal
burners whose activities were mostly confined to the bush where they burnt charcoal. The young
Italy movement that succeeded it under Mazzini ignored the role of kings in the struggle against
Metternich. This earned the movement opposition from those who thought the Italian kings had a
great role to play. In Germany, the opposition to Metternich was confined to a few large towns and
intellectuals in universities who wrongly thought that Metternich could be ousted using
parliamentary debates and resolutions. These weaknesses made it very easy for Metternich to
suppress the anti Austrian movements in Italy and Germany up to 1848.
10. The nature and composition of the Austrian Empire favoured Metternich's policies. It was
a hybrid of nationalities each with different interest, culture, religion and aspirations.
Consequently, they lacked unity and were badly fragmented. This favoured Metternich's policy of
divide and rule. For instance, the south German states were Catholics and liberal while the North
German states were Protestants and conservative. Yet Prussia that was the most powerful of the
German states was too jealous to sacrifice her relative prosperity for the sake of a united Germany
(without Metternich). Metternich was therefore able to successfully maneuver and intervene in the
internal affairs of the various states within the empire and very often some of them allied with him
against their strong enemies. This boosted Metternich's ability to control European affairs up to
1848.
11. Metternich's system also survived in Europe due to lack of common language and easy
mobility between his subjects. For example, the Italians in Lombardy, Venetia, Parma, Modena,
Poles in Galicia, Czechs in Slovenia remained dissatisfied in their respective areas due to language
barrier yet Metternich himself was a linguist. Metternich therefore divided and mled them
according to their different languages up to his downfall in 1848.
12. Metternich was able to maintain his system because the ramshackle empire lacked a highly
inspired nationalistic middle class to oppose him. The population was mainly peasants who were
tied to the land that was not theirs (feudalism) and so they were controlled by their landlords. The
landlords hated and feared revolutions. To quote Raynor; Resistance to tyranny generally comes
from people who are just well off enough to realize that it is within their power to win for
themselves further prosperity and happiness.
Within the empire this class was limited to those whose interest Metternich was defending. Thus,
the peasants maintained a lukewarm position in spite of their burdens since the middle class who
could have led them against Metternich were in his pockets.
13. Metternich exploited events in Europe after 1815 to rally support for his system. The
demonstrations, revolts and assassinations between 1817 and 1820 helped him to convert many
European rulers to his side. His real chance was in 1819 and 1820. In 1819, a German university
student called Karl sand assassinated professor Kotzbue, a Russian journalist employed by
Metternich. In 1820, Duke de-Berry the son of Charles x was murdered in France by a Bonapartist
although some sources stress a republican. In the same year (1820), Tsar Alexander I of Russia
discovered an assassination plot on his life. These liberal acts helped Metternich to get the
Bourbons on his side and to convert Tsar Alexander from his liberal tendencies to his despotism.
At the congress of Troppau, he confessed to Metternich that;
Today I deplore all that I said and did between 1815 and 1818 …you have correctly judged
the
conditions of things. Tell me what you want and what you want of me, and
I will do it.
He used such threats to convince the kings of Europe to support him against liberalism and
nationalism. Therefore, Metternich's success in European politics was determined by
circumstances in Europe of his time.
14. The existence of the Vienna settlement and the congress system made great contributions to
the success of Metternich in European affairs. The Vienna settlement formalized the area
composing the Austrian empire and legalized Metternich and Austrian intervention in the internal
affairs of such states. The Vienna settlement and the congress system were manipulated by
Metternich to implement his policies and programs. The congress system also brought unity
amongst the great powers of Europe which was an added advantage to Metternich. For example,
the Troppau congress of 1820 bonded Austria, Russia and Prussia to intervene and suppress
revolutions in any part of Europe. It was such endorsed policy that empowered Metternich to
suppress the Italian revolts of 1820, 1821 and 1830 respectively.
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THE DOWNFALL OF METTERNICH AND COLLAPSE OF THEMETTERNICH SYSTEM

Undoubtedly, Metternich dominated European politics between 1815 - 1848 but failed to save
Austria and his political career from the revolution of1848. He misjudged the circumstances of the
time and failed to realize that the 1840's were quite different from 1815. As professor Alison puts
it;
For a tired and timid generation, he was a necessary man, and it was his misfortune that he
survived his usefulness and failed to recognize that while he himself was growing old and
feeble, the world was renewing its youth.
These youths were of a new generation who did not understand why Metternich wanted to maintain
the status quo and remain a rock to changes. They did not know (since they did not experience)
the dangers of the French revolution and Napoleon. All they wanted was freedom and self-
determination and that is why they rose against Metternich.
Historians have accused Metternich for being rigidly static and too insensitive to the demands of
the age.
He is guilty of treating the effects or ends than the causes of the problem. Consequently, he failed
to adjust to the growing demands of the time i.e. nationalism and liberalism. He was even
conscious that he was playing a losing game when he regretted that he was either born too late or
too early and that he had to spend his life propping up rotten institutions. Indeed, the very forces
that Metternich was suppressing up rooted him from Vienna to exile. Before leaving Vienna, he
said that he was an old physician and he knew very well the difference between a curable and non-
curable disease and that his disease was fatal (deadly).
Metternich's failure/downfall is attributed to a number of factors.
1. The series of successful revolutions in France prior to 1848 encouraged the Austrians to
rise against Metternich leading to his downfall. The French revolution of 1789 destroyed the
Bourbon monarchy and instituted a republican government. Again in 1830, there were successful
revolutions in France and Belgium and in 1848 against Louis Philippe. These successes signaled
to the Italians, Germans and Austrians that the old order of despotism could be defeated which
gave them morale to fight and overthrow Metternich.
2. The death and downfall of close political associates and the rise of new political figures
was a heavy blow to Metternich. Emperor Francis 1 who cooperated with Metternich was replaced
in 1835 by Ferdinand who never followed Metternich's advice. Tsar Alexander 1 of Russia was
replaced by Nicholas I in 1825 who was too aggressive and uncompromising. Fredrick William
III of Prussia died in 1840 and was succeeded by Fredrick William IV who was humane, religious
and anxious to avoid unnecessary persecutions. George Canning who replaced Castlereagh in 1821
followed the policy of each nation for its self and God for everybody. Other new figures that were
against the old order included Von Bismarck in Prussia, Cavour and Victor Emmanuel II in
Piedmont. These encouraged the growth of liberalism, which forced Metternich out of European
politics in 1848.
3. In Italy, the emergence of a liberal Pope Puis ix encouraged liberalism throughout the
Catholic states.
More importantly although the carbonari and young Italy movements failed, they nevertheless
inspired the spirit of nationalism through their philosophy of unity and independence. This in what
made the Italians to be the first to rise against Metternich in January 1848 that spread to other
states leading to the downfall of Metternich.
The Austrian Empire and. Metternich were brainchildren of the Vienna settlement. When the
congress system collapsed by 1830, there was no force to maintain the Vienna settlement. There
was therefore no European alliance to suppress the rights of the smaller states. When the 1848
revolutions broke out, European countries were left without a concerted effort that could have
saved Metternich from the revolution of 1848.
5. Within Austria, Metternich failed to effectively censor the press. Liberal books,
publications, journals and newspapers reached students and lecturers in great numbers. Indeed the
revolution that ousted him from Vienna was started by university students, lecturers and professors
who were partly inspired by external influence through such newspapers, journals and liberal
books.
6. 1840's were marked by economic progress in most states. There was rapid growth of
industrialization and trade which led to the growth of a strong middle class. In Germany, the
formation of the Zollverein or customs union led by Prussia increased industrial and economic
developments. The new middle class was ready to challenge Metternich's conservative policies.
Moreover, the Zollverein had strengthened nationalism amongst the Germans by bringing the
German states together.
7. The Austrian empire was too extensive (large) to be administered effectively by Metternich
from a central place. It had up to 13 different races, which explains why he failed to establish a
properly centralized administration. Different nationalities managed their own affairs and it
became difficult to check the spread of liberalism and nationalism. This climaxed into the
revolution of 1848 through which Metternich disappeared from the political landscape of Europe.
8. The role of foreign powers and mercenaries were influential in the downfall of Metternich.
Britain hated Austria's domination of the Germans and Italians. Napoleon was a former Carbonari
who assisted Italians and Germans against Metternich. Several Carbonari fighters were given
asylum in France, Britain and America. This helped the various subject within the empire to rebel
against Metternich leading to his downfall.
9. Metternich was a fanatical dictator worst than Napoleon Bonaparte. He is accused of being
a reactionary and ruthless ruler. His army was too strict and terrorized his subjects. Both him and
his spies also became instruments of violence and plunder (loot). This caused a lot of protests in
Italy, Germany and Austria climaxing in the 1848 revolutions which destroyed his political career.
10. Metternich over dwelt on politics at the expense of the other sectors of the economy. This
made the Austrian empire economically and industrially backward in Europe. No wonder that by
1848, it had run bankrupt with acute problems like unemployment, poor standard of living, famine
etc. These provoked the Masses to rise against him and his system.
11. The immediate cause of Metternich's downfall was natural calamities. In 1847, the empire
was hit by winter that destroyed potatoes mid grains. Consequently, there was large-scale famine
and epidemic diseases like cholera and dysentery. This forced the masses to move from the
countryside to Vienna where they became revolutionary gangsters like that of Paris in 1789. These
provided ready manpower for the revolution of 1848, which led to the downfall of Metternich.
THE 1848 REVOLUTIONS IN EUROPE.
Brainshare
Introduction

The year 1848 is regarded by historians as that of revolutions. It is a turning point in time when
the struggle between the new forces of change (Nationalism &Liberalism), and conservative forces
in Europe climaxed into demonstrations and wars. The Vienna settlement of 1815 undermined the
new forces, which created tension that flared up into the 1848 Revolutions in Europe.
These revolutions were confined to central and Eastern Europe and pronounced in France and the
Austrian Empire. Revolts started from the Sicilian capital of Palermo in Italy on 12th Jan. 1848,
spread to other Italian states, crossed to France on Feb 1848, and Austria, Hungary, Prussia plus
other German states in March. In all, there were 17 revolutions in different parts of Europe. It
should be noted that, although states like Belgium, Britain, Poland and Russia survived, they never-
the less experienced some revolutionary socks and disturbances.
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GENERAL CAUSES OF THE 1848 REVOLUTIONS IN EUROPE:

1. The Vienna settlement /Nationalism

The Vienna settlement laid foundation for the outbreak of the 1848 Revolutions, most especially
in the Austrian Empire. The settlement undermined the principle of nationalism and imposed
foreign control over smaller states. For example, Austrian control and influence was imposed on
the Germans, Italians and Hungarians. The unifications of Italy and Germany that climaxed into
the 1848 revolutions in these states were aimed at destroying Austria's control, which was imposed
by the Vienna settlement.
The Hungarian revolution led by Louis Kossuth was also provoked by the need to eliminate
Austrian's influence, which was also consolidated by the Vienna settlement. To this extent, one
can assert that nationalism was responsible for the outbreak of the 1848 revolutions in Europe.
2. Liberalism
Liberalism was a force to reckon with that caused the 1848 revolutions in Europe. In Austria,
Hungary, France, German and Italian states, the King's were conservative, rigid and inflexible to
liberal desires of the people. There was a popular demand for political liberties like freedom of
speech, association and universal suffrage. There was also a popular agitation for a liberal
constitution that would guarantee equality, expanded franchise, fair taxation system, fair wage
policy etc. The inability of conservative kings to provide the above liberal demands explains why
the liberals mobilized the masses for the revolution.
3. Metternich system
Metternich system was influential in causing the revolutions in Austria, Hungary, Germany and
Italian states. In these states, Metternich consolidated his influence through unpopular policy of
divide and rule, force, spy net work system, imprisonment and exile of political opponents. By
1848, these policies had made Metternich very unpopular in Europe. This is why when the Italians
rose against the system in Jan 1848; it inspired the Austrians, Hungarians and Germans to take the
challenge and revolt as well.
4. The Downfall of Metternich
The downfall of Metternich weakened his system and provided a line of weakness for the explosion
of the 1848 Revolutions in Europe. Metternich had maintained tight control over the Italians,
Germans, Austrians and Hungarians through force and diplomacy. These measures effectively
suppressed the forces of liberalism and nationalism. However, his downfall and exile in March
1848 became a source of hope and encouragement to the masses who were scared of revolting
against him. It should be emphasized that the news of Metternich's downfall is what inspired the
Hungarians, Germans, Slavs and Magyar's to rise up and demand for their freedom.
5. The downfall of the congress system
The collapse of the congress system left a vacuum tor the explosion of the 1848 revolutions. The
system had provided a spirit of togetherness in defending the Vienna settlement, which was against
liberalism and nationalism. However, the collapse of the congress system by 1830 left a divided
Europe that could not collectively defend the Vienna settlement. This inspired the liberals and
nationalists to start challenging the Vienna settlement, which climaxed into the revolutions in
Hungary, German and
Italian states.
6. French revolutionary ideas and the success of previous revolutions in Europe
The spread of French revolutionary ideas and the success of previous revolutions in Europe also
account for the outbreak of the 1848 revolutions in Europe. The success of the Belgian revolution
of 1830 against the Vienna settlement provided a practical example of how unity and determination
could overturn the arrangements of Vienna. The success of the 1848 revolution in France provided
yet another example of how freedom could be attained. All these provided a chain reaction for the
outbreak of several other revolutions such as in Austria, Hungary and German states. This explains
why some historians have asserted that whenever France sneezes, Europe catches cold and others
have affirmed that whenever France coughs, Europe catches fire.
7. Effects of Bad weather and Economic hardship
The devastating impact of the 1847 - 1848 bad weather hit the agricultural states of east and central
Europe, which made the outbreak of the revolutions inevitable. There were heavy rains, storms,
frost and freezing of land to the extent that exchange of goods and services were bought to a
standstill.
Besides, there were corruption and embezzlement of funds, which were unchecked by the existing
governments. All these led to inflation, unemployment, poverty, famine, starvation and rural urban
migration. It was these desperate conditions which the existing governments failed to handle that
led to hostile groupings of jobless and hungry mobs on major streets. The jobless, hungry and
frustrated mobs escalated lawlessness and violence, which degenerated in to the 1848 Revolutions.
NB: The impact of bad weather was more devastating to agrarian / agricultural economies like
Austrian empire and France. This party explains why industrialized nations like Britain and
Belgium survived the waves of the revolution.
8. Impact of epidemic diseases
The outbreak and spread of epidemic diseases in east and central Europe was also responsible for
the outbreak of the 1848 revolutions. Diseases like cholera, typhoid, tuberculosis and influenza
were more pronounced in the urban centers where there was a lot of congestion. Crop and animal
diseases were also very active in the rural areas. These diseases led to high death rate, poor harvest,
famine, psychological and physical effects on the people. People blamed their kings for failing to
provide practical solutions to these problems and consequently revolted.
9. Population Explosion (Demographic Aspect)
The 1848 revolutions were also caused by population explosion. For instance, from 1840 to1848,
the population of Europe increased from 187 million to 266 million. These excess populations put
a great strain on resources and means of survival especially food. Consequently, there were serious
problems of famine, poverty, starvation, unemployment, congestion and inflation, which became
fertile grounds for the explosion and spread of revolutions. The government's failure to address
these problems dragged the masses to take a revolutionary stand. It should be noted that population
pressure led to rural - urban migration and congestion in the urban centers, for example, the
population of Berlin increased from about 170.000 in 1800 to over 440.000 by 1848. These
provided the revolutionary mobs that made the outbreak of the revolutions inevitable.
10. Negative impact of industrial revolution
The negative consequences of industrial revolution played its role in the outbreak of the 1848
revolutions in Europe. Industrial revolution started from Britain in 1760's and by 1848 it had spread
to East and Central Europe. Industries displaced human labour and rendered many people jobless.
The few who were employed suffered long hours of work (14-16 hours a day), congestion and
severe punishments. Accommodation, sanitation and working conditions were all poor. Indeed,
conditions of industrial workers were so grim (very serious / deplorable) that they were expected
to die sooner than agricultural workers. Governments went ahead and labeled ground for capitalists
to continue exploiting workers. All these made the workers and the unemployed to engage in
constant strikes and demonstrations, which climaxed into the 1848 Revolutions.
11. Influence of socialism
The 1848 revolutions were also caused by the growing influence of socialism. The disciples i.e.
followers of Karl Marx and his socialist ideas, took advantage of socio-economic problems like
unemployment, exploitation of workers and peasants to undermine capitalism and strengthen
socialism. Socialists like Lamartine and Louis Blanc in France decampaigned their governments
using such problems and demanded for a change of government. This created more awareness and
a revolutionary mood in the minds of the people. It should be noted that the socialists played a
leading role in mobilizing the workers and the unemployed to participate in the 1848 revolutions.
12. Segregative social class system
The segregative social class system cannot be underrated in the outbreak of the 1848 revolutions
in Europe. Apart from France, the social, political and economic system in the Austrian empire
was dominated by the clergy and nobles against the peasants and the middle class. The clergy and
nobles monopolized key positions in the civil service, church and the army. Besides, these
aristocrats (clergy and nobles) were very arrogant when dealing with the peasants and the middle
class. The peasants and the middle class joined the revolutions as the only way to end aristocratic
arrogance and segregation.
13. The Role of Revolutionary leaders/Intellectuals
The rise and role of revolutionary leaders was influential in the outbreak of the 1848 revolutions.
Patriotic and nationalistic leaders like Louis Kossuth of Hungary, Lamartine and Louis Blanc of
France, Mazzini and Cavour of Italy and Stephan Baron of Prussia played a leading role in the
outbreak of the 1848 revolutions in their states. They undermined their governments by criticizing
their weaknesses which ploughed ground for the revolutions. It should be stressed that these
leaders played a crucial role in mobilizing and leading the masses in the 1848 revolutions
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CONSEQUENCES / SIGNIFICANCE OF THE 1848 REVOLUTIONS ON EUROPE

The 1848 Revolutions had positive and negative impacts on the social, political and economic
structures of Europe.
Positive impact
1. Unifications of Italy and Germany
The 1848 revolutions contributed to the final unifications of Italy and
Germany by 1871. In the first place, the revolutions led to the downfall of Metternich and collapse
of his system that had been obstacles to the unification of both states. Secondly, the failures of the
revolutions in Italian and German states exposed the real obstacles and enemies in the unification
process of both nations.
Thirdly, these revolutions led to the rise of new men like Victor Emmanuel II, Cavour and
Bismarck who corrected the weaknesses of the 1848 revolutionaries and successfully
accomplished the unifications of Italy and Germany by 1871.
2. Partial Achievements
I Temporary and partial successes were realized out of the 1848 revolutions. In Italy, Mazzini and
Garibaldi succeeded in establishing a Roman Republic under Dr. Manin by 1849. However,
Napoleon III sent French troops under General Oudinot who destroyed the republican government
and the revolution in Rome. In Hungary, Kossuth succeeded in establishing the Hungarian
Republic in March 1849 with himself as the president. However, like the Roman Republic, the
Hungarian Republic was demolished by Russian troops who were sent by Tsar Nicholas I. The
revolutionaries in the German states succeeded in establishing the Frankfurt assembly of May 1848
that revived parliamentary democracy. This was also achieved temporarily in Hungary where
Kossuth established a parliament at Budapest. Nevertheless, the achievement of parliamentary
democracy did not radically change European society because class division persisted.
3. Destruction of Feudalism and serfdom
The 1848 revolutions gave a blow to Feudalism and serfdom that had characterized Metternich's
rule in Europe. In Austria, Emperor Francis I passed the emancipation act of Sept. 1848 in which
peasants were allowed to own and inherit land without compensation to their landlords. Serfdom
was also abolished in Hungary. All these increased the productivity of peasants, led to increased
output and reduced the problems of famine and starvation in Europe.
4. Effect of the revolutions in Denmark, Holland and Switzerland
The wave of the 1848 revolutions had fundamental effects on Denmark, Holland and Switzerland.
In Denmark, the king was influenced by the revolutions in other countries to grant a liberal
constitution and parliamentary democracy. This was a strategy that the king used to preempt the
outbreak of a revolution in Denmark. In Holland, the revolutions influenced the election of the
middle class in parliament contrary to the pre- 1848 era where the nobles and clergy dominated
the parliament. In Switzerland, the revolutions accelerated the success of the liberals in the Swiss
civil war and the promulgation of a new constitution. This was inspired by the success of liberalism
in France and Austria during the course of the 1848 revolutions. One can therefore argue that the
1848 revolutions planted seeds of parliamentary democracy and constitutionalism in countries that
survived.
5. Rise of New men
The rise to prominence of new men was one of the consequences of the 1848 revolutions in Europe.
The revolutions provided favourable opportunity for the rise of formerly insignificant men of low
status to positions of significance. For instance, Stephan Born and Bismarck emerged from the
revolution in Prussia, Louis Blanc and Cavainag from France, Schwazenburg from Austria and
Victor Emmanuel 11 from Piedmont. These were new and prominent men who played a great role
in shaping the destiny of their respective states.
Negative impact
6. Loss of Lives
The revolutions led to massive loss of lives in Europe. It is estimated that 3-5 thousand people
were killed in Austria by Windischgratz (after proclaiming martial law). In Hungary, Haynau (who
was nicknamed Hyena for butchering people), butchered Bethany (the Prime Minister of the short
lived Hungarian republic), 13 Generals and over 1,000 politicians. It is alsoestimated that 300
people were butchered in Berlin, 3^0 in Milan and over 500 in Trance. These, significantly reduced
the populations of Europe as many people were forced to flee abroad.
7. Destruction of property
Besides, there was wanton destruction of property. In many areas, the revolutionaries recklessly
dismantled administrative offices, recreational centers, health centers, educational facilities,
bridges, etc. These left a burden of reconstruction in the post revolutionary era, which reduced the
phase of economic recovery and development.
8. Displacement and Exile
There was displacement and exile of people and key figures in Europe. In Austria, Metternich was
forced by pressure of events to flee to London. The failure of the revolutions in different parts of
Europe and the quest of revenge by anti - revolutionary leaders forced prominent revolutionary
leaders like Kossuth, Charles Albert, Mazzini and Garibaldi to flee to exile. 9. The Downfall of
Metternich and collapse of Metternich system
The 1848 Revolutions led to the downfall of Metternich and the collapse of his system. From 1815
-1848, Metternich was the most dominant political figure in Europe. However, the massive
demonstrations against him by the 1848 revolutionaries forced him to resign and flee to London.
Metternich was replaced by Schwarzenburg (as the new chancellor). It should be noted that
Metternich's downfall weakened his system and left it ineffective. Although, Metternich came back
from exile in 1851, he was fatigued and died in 1852 as a common man.
10. Downfall of Louis Philippe and Orleans monarchy
In France, the 1848 revolution led to the downfall of Louis Philippe and
Orleans monarchy. It forced Louis Philippe to abdicate and flee to exile on 24'^^ Feb. 1848. This
ended the era of monarchism in the history of France and opened apolitical vacuum for the rise of
Napoleon III and the second French republic.
11. Economic Decline
The 1848 revolutions led to economic decline in Europe. There was a lot of destruction and
disorganization, which hindered industrial and agricultural progress. These accelerated the
prerevolutionary economic hardship such as poverty, famine, starvation, diseases, unemployment
and inflation.
12. Effect of the revolutions on Britain
The 1848 revolutions had some effects on countries that survived. It caused political disturbances
in Britain due to spillover effects. Before the revolution, the chartist movement in Britain was
unable to achieve much success. But, the news of the success of the revolution in France inspired
the chartists to organize a mass demonstration which was foiled by the government counter
measures using the army and spy network. Although this demonstration was suppressed, the
chartists succeeded in presenting a charter to the government.
13. Influence of socialism
The 1848 revolutions consolidated the influence of socialism in Europe. The socialists had
mobilized the workers and peasants to revolt against capitalists and the governments of Europe.
However, the revolutions were suppressed and the problems of workers and peasants did not
receive immediate attention. It left the workers and peasants 'cursing' capitalism and governments
of the day. This strengthened the spread and consolidation of socialism in Europe. It should be
emphasized that this set in an ideological struggle between communism visa - a- vis capitalism
that was responsible for the cold war in the post world war II era.
14. Success of new order against old order
Lastly, the 1848 revolutions were a triumph for the old order of conservatism against the new order
of liberalism and nationalism. Although the revolutions started with much vigour and prospects,
by 1850 almost all with the exception of France had failed. The anti revolutionary forces had
succeeded in re establishing Austrian control in Vienna, Hungary, Italian and German states.
Nevertheless, these revolutions shook the Austrian authorities and forced them to embark on
reforms such as constitutional rule and parliamentary democracy.
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COMMON FEATURES / CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 1848 REVOLUTIONS

The 1848 Revolutions in Europe had common features. The similar characteristics of these
revolutions are found in the causes, course and consequences.
1. The origin of the 1848 Revolutions in Europe can be traced back to the French Revolution
of 1789.
The revolution came with the ideas of equality, liberty, fraternity and nationalism that spread and
contributed to the outbreak of the 1848 revolutions in Europe. It should be noted that the 1848
Revolutionaries used similar strategies and tactics that was adopted from the French
revolutionaries.
2. Apart from France, the 1848 revolutions in other countries was a protest against the Vienna
Settlement of 1815. The settlement imposed foreign rule and influence over smaller states. For
instance, Austrian and Metternichian influence were imposed on the Hungarians, Italian and
German states. Thus, the revolutions in these states were primarily to undo the Vienna settlement
and the Metternich system.
3. The revolutions were either liberal or nationalistic in nature. The revolutionaries aimed at
achieving liberal or nationalistic goals. The revolutions in France and Austria were liberal because
people had achieved political independence but were denied political liberties. However, the
revolutions in Hungary, German and Italian states were both liberal and nationalistic. This is
because the masses were struggling for political liberty as well as independence.
It should be noted that the outcome of these revolutions strengthened the forces of nationalism and
liberalism, which led to the unifications of Italy and Germany by 1871. This is because the
revolutions led to the rise of Bismarck, Cavour and Victor Emmanuel who learnt lessons from the
revolutions and championed the unification of both nations.
4. The immediate events that sparked off the 1848 revolutions were the effects of natural
disasters and epidemic diseases. Bad weather and epidemic diseases led to famine and
psychological problems in the agrarian economies of France and the Austrian Empire, which
conditioned the outbreak of the revolutions in those states.
5. The 1848 revolutions were more pronounced in less industrialized states and those who
depended on agriculture (agrarian economies). It was because agricultural states are more
vulnerable to the devastating impact of natural calamities and diseases. This explains why the
agrarian economies of France and the Austrian empire experienced the revolutions while the
industrialized states of Britain and Belgium survived.
6. The timing and spread of the revolutions provides yet another common feature. All these
revolutions broke out in the same year, i.e. 1848 from January to June. The spread of the
revolutions were contagious and sequential i.e. it started from Sicily and spread like a bush fire to
other Italian states, France, German states, Austria and Hungary.
7. The 1848 revolutions were also characterized by lack of foreign assistance and foreign
intervention.
The revolutions broke out in the same year and countries who were busy suppressing the
revolutions could not give foreign assistance to revolutions in other countries. Those who survived
the revolutions were also tied by political disturbances and shocks that they could not also support
revolutions outside their boundaries. On the contrary, there was foreign intervention, which led to
the failure of the revolutions in different states. France suppressed the revolution in Rome and
frustrated the success of the revolution in Italy, Russia suppressed the revolution in Hungary and
Austria did the same in Italian and German states.
8. Military weakness and lack of support from domestic army (except France) are other
characteristics of the 1848 revolutions in Europe. The revolutionary armies were poorly armed,
coordinated, trained and disorganized. They lacked support from domestic armies, which explains
why the ruling kings used the army to suppress the revolutions.
9. The 1848 revolutions were urban based. There was poor mobilization that left the
revolutions confined to a few cities and towns like Paris and Versailles in France, Vienna in
Austria, Budapest and Press burg in Hungary, Milan in Piedmont and Berlin in Prussia. This is
because urban centers were administrative areas, which made it the target of the middle class and
intellectuals who were also residents in such cities and towns. The other reason is that urban
centers had the greatest impact of side effects of industrial revolution. Besides, workers were also
resident in such urban centers, which explain why they massively participated in the revolutions.
10. The Revolutions were led by intellectuals and financed by the middle class. These included
university students, lectures, professors, journalists, lawyers and other professionals. For example,
Mazzini in Italy, Stephan Bora in Prussia, Louis Blanc and Lamartine in France and Kossuth in
Hungary. This explains why the rural peasants did not participate in the revolutions. It's for this
reason that some historians have described the 1848 Revolutions as Intellectual movements
of1848-1850.
11. The 1848 revolutionaries were divided along ideological, racial, religious and social lines.
The Italians were divided between the supporters of the Pope, Mazzini and Charles Albert. The
Germans were divided into North German states, which supported Prussia and South German
states, which supported Austria. Besides, there were betrayers and cowards like Charles Albert of
piedmont, Pope Pius ix of the Papal states, Fredrick William IV of Prussia and Kossuth (betrayed
Croats and Slovenes) of Hungary. All these, explain the failure of the revolutions in such states.
This was precisely because the existing kings who could have supported the revolutions declined
to do so.
12. The failure of the revolutions by 1850 is yet another similar characteristic of the 1848
revolutions in Europe. Due to military weakness, disunity, economic backwardness, foreign
intervention etc, the revolutions in Austria, Hungary, Italian and German states were completely
suppressed by 1850. The earlier concessions such as parliamentary democracy and constitutional
rule were also withdrawn. In France, the second French republic, which was a great success of the
1848 revolutionaries, was dissolved by Napoleon III who replaced it with an empire in 1851.
However, there were permanent achievements like destruction of feudalism and serfdom,
constitutional rule and parliamentary democracy.
13. Lastly, the revolutions were characterized by heavy bloodshed, destruction of property and
exile to thousands of people. The counter revolutionary measures by the existing governments led
to the loss of thousands of lives and self-exile of key suspects. There were also key revolutionary
targets like Metternich who fled to exile. Besides, there was destruction of infrastructure and other
valuable assets during the revolutions.
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GENERAL REASONS FOR THE FAILURE OF THE 1848 REVOLUTIONS IN EUROPE
/ AUSTRIAN EMPIRE:

1. Military weakness vis-a-vis- strength of anti revolutionary forces

The failure of the 1848 revolutions was due to military weakness. The revolutionaries were poorly
armed, hurriedly trained and disorganized yet without support from their domestic army (except
France). On the other hand, the anti - revolutionary forces were properly armed, well trained,
disciplined and loyal to their kings. They were commanded by skillful and experienced
commanders like General Windischgratz who quelled the revolution in Vienna and Prague,
Haynau and Jellcic who crushed the Hungarian Revolt and Radetsky who defeated the Italians at
the battle of Custozza.
2. Economic problems vis-a- vis strength of the Austrian empire
The success of the 1848 revolutions was hindered by economic problems such as inflation,
unemployment, poverty and famine. These explain why the revolutionaries failed to mobilize,
finance and arm a big army, which could have earned them success against Austrian forces. On
the contrary, the Austrian empire had sufficient resources, which was due to taxes collected from
the different races within the empire. The Austrian empire was the biggest in Europe with a high
population and hence a big army. The army was motivated by resources exploited from the very
Italians, Germans, Austrians and Hungarians who were revolting. This tilted the military balance
of power against the 1848 revolutionaries, hence their failure.
3. Metternich system
Metternich system was a stumbling block that led to the failure of the 1848 revolutions in. Europe.
Metternich had used a complex policy like diplomacy, spy net work, divide and rule and force to
frustrate any united opposition to his dominance of
European politics. This explains why the 1848 revolutionaries in Austria, Hungary, Italian and
German states failed to stage a properly co ordinate and united resistance, which made them to
fail. It should be noted that although Metternich fled to exile, his system was successfully used by
his successor, prince Schwarzenburg against the revolutions in Vienna, Prague, Budapest, Milan
and Berlin.
4. Disunity
a) Racial Difference
The 1848 revolutions also failed due to divisions within the revolutionaries. In Hungary, the
revolution failed because of racial difference between the Croats and Slovenes against the
dominant Magyars.
This is why the Croats led by Jellacic allied with the Austrian king and suppressed the revolution
in Hungary. In Italian and German states, when the workers and peasants started advocating for
communism, it threatened the property of the middle class and made them to support their kings
to suppress the revolutions. Thus, divisionism provided a line of weakness for the triumph of anti
revolutionary forces and failure of the 1848 revolutions.
(b) Ideological difference and lack of common strategy
Lack of a common strategy due to ideological difference was also responsible for the failure of the
1848 revolutions. The Italians were divided between supporters of a republican government.
Federal government and a unitary system of government. The republicans, led by Mazzini
disregarded foreign assistance and the role of kings which was rejected by federalists. In Germany,
the North German states led by Bismarck wanted a "little Germany" led by Prussia, which was
rejected by the South German states who wanted a "big united Germany" led by Austria. Other
Germans opposed them and wanted a republican government. All these explain why the
revolutionaries failed to stage a coordinated and limited movement that could have succeeded
against Austria.
c) Religious difference
Religion was a social factor that divided the revolutionaries and made them to fail. In the German
states, religious consideration made the northern Protestants to support Prussia and the Southern
Catholics to support Austria (being a fellow Catholic state). In Italy, Charles Albert hesitated to
attack Austria because he was a Catholic and the Pope defected for the same reason. Religious
consideration also explains why Napoleon III and Tsar Nicholas II intervened against Italian and
Hungarian revolutions respectively.
5. Lack of capable and reliable leadership
The 1848 revolutions also failed due to incapable and unreliable leaders. The revolutionaries had
hopes in leaders who were driven by self interest and ended up betraying the revolutionary cause.
In Italy, Charles Albert was a coward, who was only interested in expanding his kingdom and that
was why he delayed to attack Austria. The pope betrayed the Italians when he defected, sought for
support from Catholic states and was restored to Rome by Napoleon III. Kossuth became a dictator
after establishing the Hungarian republic and denied the Slovenes and Croatians their
independence (which he had promised before the revolution). Fredrick William IV of Prussia was
also a coward and too fearful of Austria, which partly made him to refuse to lead the revolution.
The role of these incompetent and unreliable leaders favoured the success of anti - revolutionary
forces and made the failure of the revolutions inevitable.
6. Role of intellectuals
The poor and theoretical approach of the intellectuals also contributed to the failure of the 1848
revolutions in Europe. Intellectuals who led the revolutions over concentrated on theoretical issues
like debates, conferences and seminars, which became useless against the mighty anti –
revolutionary forces. They neglected the role of the army, kings, foreign assistance and distanced
themselves from die peasants and rural areas. These left the 1848 revolutions confirmed to cities
and few towns, which were easily suppressed by kings and foreign powers.
7. Poor mobilization
The 1848 revolutions failed due to poor mobilization. The revolutions were urban based in a few
large towns and cities. The rural dwellers and peasants were not politicized and made little
contributions to the revolution. For example, out of 586 members of the Frankfurt assembly, only
one person was a peasant and the rest were other professionals. This means that there was no mass
support, which led to the failure of the revolutions.
8. The Failure of the Austrian revolution
The failure of the 1848 revolutions in Austria also contributed to the failure of the revolutions in
other parts of Europe. On 31st Oct 1848, the Austrian forces recaptured Vienna, which brought the
revolution to an end. This gave Fredrick William IV of Prussia confidence to use force against the
Frankfurt assembly and the revolution in Prussia. It also reduced pressure on Austrian authorities
and made it possible to release troops to suppress the revolutions in Hungary, Prussia and
Piedmont.
9. Foreign intervention/ monarchical solidarity
Lastly, the 1848 revolutions failed due to foreign intervention. The Italians had succeeded in
setting the Roman republic but were demolished by French troops who restored the pope in Rome.
Similarly, the Hungarians were suppressed by the intervention of Croatians and 200 Russian
troops. The Prussian and Italian revolutions were all brought down by the intervention of Austrian
troops. One can say that the intervention of foreign powers against the 1848 revolutions in Europe
was a disaster that made the failure of the 1848 revolutions inevitable.
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REASONS FOR THE FAILURE OF THE 1848 REVOLUTION IN PRUSSIA

1. Lack of a strong revolutionary army rendered the 1848 Prussian revolution a failure. The
revolutionaries were poorly armed, trained and co-ordinate yet they had no support from the
Prussian army. On the other hand, the Prussian and Austrian armies were properly armed,
well trained, disciplined and loyal to their kings. This is why the revolution was easily
suppressed by Prussian and Austrian troops.
2. The political and economic strength of the Austrian empire also contributed to the failure of
the Prussian revolution. The Austrian empire was the biggest in Europe and the most
influential in European politics. She had dominated and exploited the Germans, Italians,
Hungarians, and Bohemians etc. She also had a big population and hence a big army that was
maintained by the exploited resources. This rendered the Prussian revolution a failure. It
should be noted that Austrian strength is what bullied King Fredrick William IV and made
him to reject the offer to lead the revolution and appeal for Austrian intervention against the
revolution.
3. The impact of the Metternich system made valuable contribution to the failure of the 1848
Prussian revolution. By 1848, Metternich had disorganized the Germans through his policy
of spy network, Carlsbad decree, divide and rule and force. He created a confederation
parliament, which was led by an Austrian. He also imposed different rulers to lead the various
39 German states. These undermined nationalism and explains why the Prussians were not
united in the revolution. It should be stressed that although Metternich was overthrown, his
system was effectively used by his successor Schwarzenburg against the revolution in Berlin.
4. Racial difference was another setback to the 1848 Prussian revolution. This was responsible
for the failure of the Frankfurt parliament, which was to decide on the future of Prussia, it
was dominated by intellectuals and middle class with very limited peasants and workers
representatives. This is why the workers and peasants in Berlin started agitating for
communism, which in turn forced the middle class to support King Fredrick to suppress the
revolution.
5. The Prussian revolution also failed because of ideological conflict. This was revealed in the
Frankfurt parliament. The delegates conflicted over whether Austria should be part of a united
Germany or not.
There were also other groups who were advocating for federal and republican governments. This
explains why the Frankfurt parliament wasted a lot of time and failed to embark on crucial issues
like raising an army. This disagreement and confusion provided a line of weakness for King
William IV to use force and dissolve the parliament, leading to the failure of the revolution.
6. The influence of religion in politics was also responsible for the failure of the revolution in
Prussia. It made the Catholics in Prussia to sympathize and support King William and Austria
against the revolution. This is why the revolution in the German states was more concentrated
in Prussia, which was a stronghold of the Protestant religion.
7. Lack of capable and reliable leadership also contributed to the failure of the Prussian
revolution.
The revolutionaries had hopes in King William IV who unfortunately was a coward and afraid of
fighting Austria. He refused the Frankfurt assembly's proposal to lead a united Germany saying
that he was not ready to be serf of the revolution" "nor pick a crown of mud and wood from the
gutter".
He turned against the assembly remarking that, "The assembly wished to take from me my divine
right. No power on earth is strong enough to do that. I shall hold it as I have inherited it from my
ancestors (Years of Nationalism by L.W. Cowie and R. Wolfson, P 173)
Eventually, William IV withdrew Prussian delegates from the parliament, which was followed by
other delegates. This marked the end of the Frankfurt assembly, which was a devastating blow to
the revolution.
8. The political miscalculation of the liberals and intellectuals was yet another contributory
factor to the failure of the revolution. The liberals and intellectuals who dominated the
Frankfurt parliament blundered by falsely hoping that they could succeed through speeches
and parliamentary resolutions yet the complexity of the Prussian problem needed a field
where bullets not views would fly.
Consequently, they vetoed important and crucial issues like raising an army, foreign assistance and
using kings against Austria. The liberals wasted time on non issues instead of taking advantage of
the downfall of Metternich and the weakened Austrian empire to unite the Germans. This was
opposed by Prussian representatives led by Bismarck, which paved way for the success of Fredrick
William and Austria against the revolutionaries.
9. The failure of the 1848 revolutions in other parts of Europe also contributed to the failure of
the revolution in Prussia. By November 1848, revolutions had failed in other states. In
Austria, the Austrian troops recaptured Vienna on 31st Oct, 1848 and ended the revolution. In
Italy, the Italians were also failing to succeed. All these gave the Prussian king, William IV
confidence to use force against the Frankfurt Assembly and the revolution in Prussia. The
failure of the revolution in Austria also reduced Pressure on Austrian authorities and made it
possible to release troops who suppressed the revolution in Prussia.
10. Poor mobilization also account for the failure of the 1848 revolution in Prussia. The
revolution was urban based and confined to a few large towns and cities like Berlin and
Frankfurt. The rural peasants were not mobilized and that is why there was only one peasant
out of 586 members in the Frankfurt assembly. This denied the revolutionaries mass support
leaving them confined to urban centers e.g. Berlin, which were easily suppressed.
11. The Austrian intervention against the revolution was also significant in the failure of the
revolution in Prussia. The revolution was against Austrian influence in German states, which
 provoked Austria and Prince Windischgratz to send troops that brought the revolution to an
end.
12. Opposition by conservative Prussian Junkers led by Bismarck also rendered the 1848
revolution a failure. The Junkers opposed the revolutionary aim of integrating Prussia in
Germany and wanted Prussia to absorb other German states. They had dominated key
government positions in Prussia and encouraged King William IV to use force against the
revolution. It should be noted that Prussia was the strongest of all the German states and her
moves against the revolution made its failure inevitable by 1849.
13. The nature and composition of the constituent assembly (of May in
Berlin) also contributed to the failure the Prussian revolution of 1848. There were 400 members
but the representatives of peasants and workers were only about 100 while the rest were
representatives ofthe conservative middle class and Junkers. The middle class and Junkers who
dominated the constituent assembly were against the revolution and influenced the king to suppress
it.
14. The influence and interest of foreign powers in German states made the failure of the 1848
revolution a foregone conclusion. The big powers of Europe had selfish interests to defend or
pursue in the German states, which made them to oppose the revolution in Prussia. Russia
had the ambition to expand to central Europe and Prussia's leadership of a united Germany
would frustrate her ambitions.
Denmark was in control of Schleswig and Holstein, Holland was in possession of Luxemburg,
Britain had political influence in Hanover and Austria's influence in German states was legalized
by the Vienna settlement of 1815. All these powers were opposed to the revolution partly because
they were signatories of the Vienna settlement of1815 and partly because of the need to protect
their influence in the German states. This explains why the Prussians did not get foreign assistance
but intervention from Austria, which made the revolution to fail.
15. The dismissed of liberal ministers by king William JV also contributed to the failure of the
Prussian revolution. The king had appointed liberal minded men to ministerial positions in
the initial stage of the revolution. However, he dismissed them in Sept 1848 and replaced
them with conservative anti liberal and anti revolutionary men. It was these new set of
ministers who pressurized King William IV to use force to recover his authority and suppress
the revolution.
16. The outbreak of epidemic diseases also contributed to the failure of the
1848 revolution in Prussia. The success of the revolution was hindered by the outbreak of
epidemics such as cholera, potato and animal diseases. These led to famine, which weakened the
revolutionaries and made it easy for Austria to suppress the revolution. It should be emphasized
that the desperate conditions provided by epidemic diseases is what partly made king William IV
to cowardice and support Austria against the revolution in Prussia.
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REASONS FOR THE FAILURE OF THE 1848 REVOLUTIONS IN ITALIAN STATES

1. The Italians were militarily weak and were not supported by the various state armies. On
the other hand, Austria was a military power with a mighty army, which was commanded by
experienced commanders like Radetsky. Radetsky was a great mobiliser and a battle hardened
soldier, who had fought Napoleon on several occasions. This is why he defeated Italians at
Custozza and Novara, which brought the revolution to a bitter end.
2. Economic backwardness compared to Austria's strength also made the Italians to fail The
Italians did not have sufficient resources to mobilize, finance and arm a strong army that could
have defeated Austria.
On the other hand, Austria had exploited her subjects (Italians inclusive) and had sufficient
resources, which she successfully used to suppress the revolutions.
3. Mettenich system had undermined Italian nationalism in favour of Austrian dominance.
His policy of spy network, divide and rule and force explains why the Italians were not united and
organized during the revolution. Although Metternich fled to exile, his system was effectively
used against Italians by his successor, Schwazenburg.
4. Racial and Ideological differences were also responsible for the failure of the revolutions
in Italian states. The middle class supported Austria to suppress the revolutions because they were
afraid of communism, which was being advocated by workers and peasants. There were also
divisions and conflicts between agitators of republican, federal and military governments. The
republicans led by Mazzini disregarded foreign assistance and kings, which made kings to turn
against the revolutions. All these provided a line of weakness for the success of Austrians troops
against Italians.
5. Religion also divided the Italians and contributed to the failure of the revolutions. It made
some Catholics in Italian states not to join the revolution because of Austria being a strong Catholic
state. This is what partly made Charles Albert to hesitate to attack Austria and was also responsible
for the Pope's defection. It should not be taken for granted that Napoleon's restoration and
protection of the pope in
Rome against the revolution was also due to religious consideration.
6. The selfish interest of Charles Albert and his hesitation to attack Austria was a total blunder
that led to the failure of the Italian revolution. Charles Albert had a hidden agenda to use the
revolution to expand his kingdom of piedmont at the expense of Italians. He did not have a united
Italy in his heart and had profound hatred for republicanism, which frustrated some Italians from
joining the revolution. Charles Albert's hesitation to attack Austria made him to lose a crucial
moment of defeating Austrian troops. It gave Austria enough time to re-organize and reinforce
Radetsky's troops who defeated his troops at Custozza.
7. The Italians also failed due to inadequate politicization and poor mobilization. Mazzini’s
politicization had failed to fully sensitize the peasants because of the high level of illiteracy. This
left the revolutions confined to intellectuals in a few towns and cities, which were easily
suppressed by Austrian forces.
8. The failure of the revolution in Austria was bad news that contributed to the failure of
Italians as well.
The Austrian troops invaded and recaptured Vienna on Oct 1848 from the revolutionaries. This
reduced pressure on Austrian troops and made it easy to release troops who reinforced Radetsky
and led to the defeat of Italians at Custozza.
9. Lack of foreign assistance was also responsible for the failure of the 1848 revolution in
Italian states.
European powers that could have assisted the Italians were busy either with their own internal
problems or suppressing revolutions. This left the Italians isolated without any military assistance.
It should be noted that the Italians expected assistance from France but were disappointed when
Napoleon refused, which demoralized the Italians and contributed to the failure of the revolution.
10. The sudden defection of the Pope made the Italians to lose faith in his leadership and the
revolution as well. As the revolution was progressing, the Pope suddenly denounced the war and
withdrew his forces with a justification that he was not ready to wage war on Austria who was a
staunch Catholic state. This demoralized the soldiers and Italian Catholics who had joined the
revolution due to the Pope's liberal attitudes.
11. The French intervention was a landmark that contributed to the failure of the Italian
revolution.
Garibaldi and Mazzini had overthrown the pope and established Roman republic in Rome.
However, the French soldiers successfully restored the pope in Rome and destroyed the republic.
The French intervention also denied the Italians the chance to use Rome for mobilization and left
them vulnerable to further defeats. This explains why Austrian forces easily reconquered other
Italian states such as Venice and Nice.
12. The role of the Vienna settlement of 1815 should not be underrated in the failure of the
1848 revolutions in Italy. The settlement gave Austria direct and indirect control over Italian states.
It also legalized Metternich and Austrian intervention against any revolutionary movement in
Italian states. This made Austrian Authorities to crush the revolution without fear of foreign
intervention. It's partly for this reason that Napoleon III who had wished to assist the Italians turned
round and instead used his troops against the revolution.
13. Lastly, the revolution in Italian states also failed due to the outbreak of epidemic diseases.
The Italian city of Venice presented the strongest resistance to Austrian forces. However, by
August 1849, the city was hit by cholera epidemic and famine. These reduced people's ability to
resist Austrian bombardment and forced the revolutionaries to surrender to Austrian forces.