The Revolutions of 1848 in France

Observations of liberals

As 1848 began, liberals in France awaited the death of King Louis Philippe, expecting a new revolution after his death. As it happened, he did not die until 1850, after the expected post-mortem revolution had burned itself out.

Related Topics:
Liberal - France - King Louis Philippe - 1850

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As a quid pro quo for the return of the Bourbons after the Battle of Waterloo, the people had been given a charter of liberties, now dubiously maintained. Even though France had a free press and trial by jury, only landholders were permitted to vote, which alienated the middle class from the ruling class.

Related Topics:
Quid pro quo - Bourbons - Battle of Waterloo - Free press - Trial by jury

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Alexis de Tocqueville had observed, "We are sleeping on a volcano . . . A wind of revolution blows, the storm is on the horizon." Lacking the property qualifications to vote, the middle classes were about to erupt, tired of hearing Prime Minister Guizot say, "Get rich, then you can vote." Corruption stretched from the Prime Minister to small shopkeepers with dishonest weights.

Related Topics:
Alexis de Tocqueville - Prime Minister Guizot - Corruption

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