The Revolutions of 1848 Essay Example

For different people, the 1848 revolutionaries represented victory and defeat for nationalism in Germany and Italy. People saw it as a defeat because of the war's overall aftermath for the countries and the failure to unite certain participants. Others consider it a success because it paved the way for future efforts toward the unification of Germany and Italy, as well as their alliances. Overall, the revolutions in 1848 were a turning point for Germany and Italy, whether or not it was successful in unification.

Some claim that the 1848 revolutionaries marked a nationalist victory in Germany and Italy. People claim that this is because the revolution in Italy began as a nationalist rebellion against Austria, commanded by the King. The Republic of Italy was founded in 1849, but only in Rome and Tuscany. The nationalities subject to the German Government of Vienna campaigned for a national government within the Austrian Empire, and Hungary was successful in forming itself independently. The desire to form a liberal administration also fueled the revolutions in Italy. The nationalists intended to depose conservative Austrian rule and establish a unified government free of foreign influence. The wars that happened brought nationalist ideologies into the general public's consciousness. The revolutions in Germany, which emphasized Germanism, demonstrated popular dissatisfaction with the traditional, largely autocratic political structure of the Confederation's 39 independent states. They represented popular support for the Zollverein movement. The Zollverein movement was in here for the reunification of Germany. 

Other people believe that the 1848 revolutionaries represented a defeat for nationalism in Germany and Italy. This is because, when the revolutionaries in Italy were finished, the new Republic's numerous reforms, combined with its tax cuts, resulted in money issues, which the Republic then compounded by simply printing more money. The Republic's economy was doomed by uncontrolled price inflation. Also, sending the troops, during these revolutions, from Austrian forces to defend Piedmont put Rome at risk of attack from Austria. The French President saw an opportunity when Pope Pius requested assistance from him, as an opportunity to gain support from the Catholic Church. The French army arrived by sea, and despite an early defeat at the hands of Garibaldi, the French eventually defeated the Roman Republic with the assistance of the Austrians. The overall results caused a higher issue for Germany and Italy because all the resources that it took to do fight, forced Italy to be bankrupt and Germany to be struggling.  

Overall I believe that the represented more of a defeat for nationalism in Germany and Italy during 1848. The 1848 Revolution failed to unite the German-speaking states because the Frankfurt Assembly reflected the many different interests of the German ruling classes. Its members were unable to build alliances and advocate for specific objectives. The first feud erupted over the assembly's objectives, the moderate liberals wanted to write a constitution to present to the rulers, while the radicals wanted the assembly to declare itself a law-making body. They were unable to overcome this fundamental divide and took no effective action toward the unification of the application of democratic rules.