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Revolutions of 1848 in the German states facts for kids

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The Revolutions of 1848 in the German states were a series of protests and fights that happened across many parts of what is now Germany. Back then, Germany wasn't one country. Instead, it was made up of 38 different states. These states were loosely connected in something called the German Confederation. This group was formed after a big meeting called the Congress of Vienna in 1815. Even Austria was part of this Confederation, but Hungary, which was part of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire, was not.

These revolutions were inspired by the French Revolution of 1848. In February 1848, the French people protested, and their king, King Phillipe, had to give up his throne. This event sparked similar movements in other parts of Europe, including the German states.

Key Events of the Revolutions

The biggest successes of these German revolutions happened in March 1848. People rose up in major cities like Berlin and Vienna.

The Frankfurt Parliament

One important result of these uprisings was the election of a group called the German National Assembly. This assembly met in Frankfurt am Main. Their goal was to create a united German state and a new constitution.

The National Assembly meeting in St. Paul's Church in Frankfurt am Main

However, things didn't go as planned. The Prussian king, Frederick William, refused to become the emperor of this new, united German state. This was a big setback for the assembly.

Eventually, Austria and Prussia pulled their representatives out of the Assembly. Without their support, the Assembly slowly fell apart. The dream of a united Germany with a new constitution did not come true at that time.

Related pages

Images for kids

  • Image Germania (painting)

    The painting Germania, which hung inside the Frankfurt Parliament, the first national parliament in German history

  • Der Kampf an der Taborbrücke in der Leopoldstadt Bonaventura Emler

    The Vienna Uprising in October 1848

  • Gefecht Kirchheimbolanden

    The Battle of Kirchheimbolanden on June 14, 1849

  • Ludwigshafen brennt 1849 06 15 F Artaria

    Ludwigshafen burning on June 15, 1849

  • Berlin.Brandenburger Tor.History 001

    Barricades at Alexander Platz in Berlin

  • Barricades - 1848 Germany

    The May uprising in Dresden

  • Arbeitermagistrat

    A delegation of workers in 1848 before the city council, by Johann Peter Hasenclever

  • Nationalversammlung in der Paulskirche

    Another view of the National Assembly meeting in St. Paul's Church

  • Proklamation-Reichsverweser-1848

    Archduke Johann's message to the German people when he was appointed Administrator of the Realm

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Revolución alemana de 1848-1849 para niños

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