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.

Key Events of 1848
- Revolutions Across Europe
Important People Born in 1848
Important People Who Died in 1848
New Books in 1848
Images for kids
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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.