The Revolutions of 1848 in the Habsburg areas

In 1848, the Austrian Empire under the Habsburgs was confronted with the combined effect of economic, social class, and nationalities conflicts. Within its boundaries lived Austrian Germans, Hungarians, Slovenes, Poles, Czechs, Slovaks, Ruthenians, Romanians, Serbs, Italians and Croats.

The early rumblings

The focus of hatred was Prince Metternich, a seeming avatar of reaction; the absolute ruler, the Emperor Ferdinand, was feebleminded and incompetent (which, according to some, may be the result of incest in the Habsburg family). He was oddly popular, and people generally saw him as guided by ineffective advisors (which was fairly close to the truth).

Related Topics:
Prince Metternich - Avatar - Absolute ruler - Emperor Ferdinand - Incest

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Business interests wanted reform. They wanted solid finance, roads, railroads, and technology. High tariffs crippled commerce; the crown would not lower tariffs on foreign wheat at times of famine. Press freedom was a liberal dream; government spies were everywhere. Factory workers were miserable. All books, newspapers and ads were government-approved. Private ownership of firearms was also restricted by the government.

Related Topics:
Tariffs - Press freedom - Liberal

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Hungary was being affected by a simmering nationalist revolt by 1844, with the revolt's leader Kossuth attacking Chancellor Metternich. Kraków had been just annexed in 1846 following an unsuccessful Polish uprising. The 1847 depression hit hard. Crime, prostitution, homelessness, and begging increased, and workers' couldn't afford potatoes.

Related Topics:
1844 - Kossuth - 1846 - Polish uprising - 1847

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