The Revolution of 1848

The outbreak of revolutionary events in March of 1848 was heralded like storm clouds gathering. This time, between 1815 and the revolution, was therefore also called Vormärz (pre-March). The outcome of the revolution in France, in which the king was forced to abdicate and a citizens' government took over authority on 24th February 1848, influenced events immediately. Liberal politicians, among them some from the Rhineland and Westphalia, now made public demands for a constitutional state, freedom of the press and independent jury courts. In April and May the first German National Assembly was finally elected, which met on 18th May 1848 with the intention of debating and establishing the first democratic constitution on behalf of the people. Frankfurt was the main scene of the revolution, and it was to be the location of the National Assembly of all German Länder.