Revolutions in Germany

Long term causes:

• rising middle classes wanting liberty like under Napoleon
• increased population meant scarced food
• industrialisation introduced poor living and working conditions

Short term:

• harvest failures 1845-7
• potato blight 1847
• there was a trade recession
• rising food prices
• people were inspired by revolutions elsewhere in europe
• liberal and nationalist ideas spread

Frankfurt:

• mostly made up of liberals
• 596 men from different states representing
• they were given the difficult task of creating a constitution

Revolution in Prussia:

• riots began in Berlin 13th-19th March due to work conditions and pay
• Frederick William IV said "i want liberty/unity)
• miscommunication led to William's troops shooting and killing at least 300 rioters
• he drew up a new constitution
• after he left Berlin…