Austrian Revolution of 1848 Flashcards
What was the Austrian Empire like in 1848?
A large, multi-national empire ruled by the Habsburg monarchy, with many different ethnic groups.
Why was the Austrian Empire unstable in 1848?
It was home to many nationalities (e.g., Hungarians, Czechs, Italians) seeking greater autonomy or independence.
Who was the Austrian Emperor in 1848?
Ferdinand I.
What role did Metternich play in the Austrian Empire before 1848?
He was the conservative Chancellor who suppressed liberal and nationalist movements.
Why did Metternich resign in 1848?
A wave of revolutions and protests across the empire forced him to flee and resign.
What was the main goal of the Hungarian revolutionaries in 1848?
They wanted self-government and independence from Austrian control.
Who led the Hungarian revolutionaries in 1848?
Lajos Kossuth.
How did the Austrian government initially respond to revolutions in 1848?
It was overwhelmed and forced to make concessions to revolutionary groups.
What happened in Vienna in March 1848?
Large demonstrations led to Metternich’s resignation and reforms promised by the emperor.
What reforms were made in the Austrian Empire during the 1848 revolution?
Censorship was ended, a constituent assembly was promised, and serfdom was abolished.
Why did the Austrian government regain control later in 1848?
The revolutionaries were divided, and the army was eventually used to suppress uprisings.
What role did the army play in defeating the 1848 revolutions in Austria?
It was loyal to the monarchy and, with Russian help, crushed revolts, especially in Hungary.
What was the outcome of the Hungarian revolt?
It was crushed by Austrian and Russian forces in 1849.
What does the 1848 revolution in the Austrian Empire show about nationalism?
Nationalism was a powerful force, but disunity among ethnic groups weakened revolutionary efforts.
What was the role of Russia in the Austrian 1848 revolutions?
Russia sent troops to help the Austrians defeat the Hungarian revolutionaries.
What was the political consequence of the failed 1848 revolutions in Austria?
The Habsburg monarchy restored absolute control and reversed many reforms.
What effect did Metternich’s resignation have on the Austrian Empire?
It symbolized the collapse of conservative authority and encouraged uprisings throughout the empire.
Which ethnic groups caused problems for Austria in 1848?
Hungarians, Czechs, Italians, Croats, and Slovaks.
What was the significance of Prague during the 1848 revolutions?
Czech nationalists held a Pan-Slav Congress but were defeated by Austrian troops.
Why were the Austrian revolutions ultimately unsuccessful?
Revolutionaries were divided by ethnicity and goals, and the monarchy regrouped and used military force.
What was the impact of abolishing serfdom in the Austrian Empire?
It reduced support for the revolution among peasants, weakening the revolutionary cause.
How did Austria deal with revolts in northern Italy?
The Austrian army, under General Radetzky, defeated Italian nationalist forces.
What does the failure of the 1848 revolutions in Austria show about liberalism and nationalism?
Liberalism and nationalism were strong but lacked unity and military strength to succeed.
