May Uprising in Dresden

The May Uprising took place in Dresden, Germany in 1849; it was one of the last of the series of events known as the Revolutions of 1848.

Events leading to the May Uprising

In Germany, revolution had begun in March 1848, starting in Berlin and spreading across the other states which now make up Germany. The heart of the revolutions was in Frankfurt, where the newly-formed National Assembly (Frankfurt Parliament) met in St Paul's Church from May 1848, calling for a constitutional monarchy. To form the Assembly, near-democratic elections had taken place across the German states; the majority of the members were Saxon democrats. On March 28, 1849 the Assembly passed the first Reichsverfassung (constitution) for Germany, and in April 1849, Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia was offered the crown.

Related Topics:
Frankfurt - National Assembly - Frankfurt Parliament - Constitutional monarchy - Saxon - March 28 - 1849 - Constitution - Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia

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Despite its apparent progress, the National Assembly really depended upon the co-operation of the old leaders and Emperor; this became all too clear when Friedrich Wilhelm IV refused to accept the crown in disgust. Movements sprang up across the German states to force through the new constitution but the National Assembly disintegrated. In Saxony, Friedrich August II had never recognised the constitution, and now also disbanded the Saxon parliament.

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In Baden, the more radical elements of the National Assembly formed a rump parliament in Stuttgart, which was defeated by Prussian troops. At the same time, the people of Saxony began to react to the repression of the democratic movement - the May Uprising began.

Related Topics:
Baden - Rump parliament - Stuttgart

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