1848 facts for kids
The year 1848 was a very exciting time, especially in Europe! Many people wanted more freedom and better ways for their countries to be run. This led to lots of big changes and even revolutions in different places. It was a year when new ideas about how society should work became very popular.
Contents
Key Events of 1848
Revolutions Across Europe
The year 1848 is famous for a wave of revolutions that swept across Europe. People were unhappy with their rulers and wanted more rights.
The February Revolution in France
On February 24, a big event called the February Revolution started in France. People in Paris rose up against their king, King Louis-Philippe. They wanted a republic, where citizens would have more say in how the country was run. This revolution quickly led to the king leaving his throne.
New Ideas: The Communist Manifesto
Just before the French Revolution, on February 21, a very important book was published. It was called The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx. This book talked about new ideas for how society could be organized, focusing on workers' rights and equality. It became a very influential text for many years to come.
The Chartist Movement in Britain
In Britain, people were also pushing for change. On April 10, a huge meeting called the "Monster Rally" was held in London. It was organized by the Chartists, a group who wanted more rights for ordinary people, like the right for all men to vote. This meeting was so big that it was one of the first times a crowd was ever photographed!
Revolts in Other Parts of the World
The spirit of change wasn't just in Europe. On July 26, the Matale Rebellion began in Sri Lanka. This was a fight against British rule in that country.
Switzerland Becomes a Federal Republic
On September 12, the country of Switzerland made a big change. It became a federal republic. This meant that different parts of Switzerland (called cantons) joined together under one central government, but still kept some of their own powers.
German Revolutions and the Frankfurt Parliament
In what is now Germany, there were also many uprisings. People wanted more freedom and a united German nation. This led to the creation of the German National Assembly. This group met in St. Paul's Church to try and create a new constitution for a united Germany.
The Hungarian Revolution
Hungary also saw a major revolution in 1848. Hungarians fought for their independence from the Austrian Empire. One important battle was the Battle of Pákozd, where Hungarian forces fought against the Austrian army.
Important People Born in 1848
- February 27 – Hubert Parry: He was an English composer who wrote beautiful music.
- March 19 – James Otis: An American writer who created many popular books for children.
- June 7 – Paul Gauguin: A famous French painter known for his unique and colorful art.
Important People Who Died in 1848
- February 23 – John Quincy Adams: He was a former President of the United States.
New Books in 1848
- Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray: This was a very popular novel published in 1848. It tells a story about society and different characters in England.
Images for kids
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February 21: Karl Marx publishes The Communist Manifesto.
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July 26: Matale Rebellion begins in Sri Lanka.
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September 12: The Swiss Confederation reconstitutes itself as a federal republic.
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Cheering revolutionaries in Berlin, on March 19, 1848, with the new flag of Germany
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French Revolution of 1848: Republican riots forced King Louis-Philippe to abdicate
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Zeitgenössische Lithografie der Nationalversammlung in der Paulskirche.jpg
German National Assembly's meeting in St. Paul's Church
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Battle of Pákozd in the Hungarian Revolution of 1848
See also
In Spanish: 1848 para niños
